The new MG4 will be the first electric car in the world, produced in series, to have a semi-solid battery. Will we be able to buy it in France? This is another question.
It is not every day that a general manufacturer dares to shake up the technological hierarchy by attacking the heart of the market. And yet, this is exactly what MG is trying with the new version of its electric compact MG4, whose official launch is scheduled for August 5 in China.
Key information? It will be equipped with a semi-solid battery, a world first at this level of range, according to the brand as relays a post Weibo spotted by Car News China.
A semi-solid battery of 70 kWh
During a press event held on July 17, Chen Cui, director general of the MG division at SAIC, confirmed that this new MG4 would use a 70 kWh pack provided by Qingtao Energy, integrating only 5 % liquid electrolyte. It is very little, enough to talk about a “semi-solid” architecture, a technology often presented as the missing link between the current lithium-ion batteries and the dream future of 100 % solid batteries.
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The first figures are official: 537 km of autonomy on the CLTC cycle, an energy density of 180 Wh/kg, and above all, better hold in winter conditions with 13.8 % additional autonomy retention at –7 ° C compared to an LFP (Lithium-Fer-Phosphate) battery). On paper, it checks a lot of boxes.
A world premiere? By really
But you still have to put the “world premiere” aspect. Admittedly, MG can claim to be the first to integrate a semi-solid battery in an electric car with the mainstream, produced in series. But Nio, for its part, has already marketed (certainly in very small quantities and at premium prices) a semi-solid battery of 150 kWh developed with Welion. What promise more than 1,000 km of CLTC autonomy.
But where MG is distinguished is by targeting significant volumes and a particularly aggressive price.
A direct offensive against Byd Dolphin
Because yes, MG assumes targeting the bestseller byd Dolphin. With an expected attack price between 80,000 and 120,000 yuan (between 11,000 and 16,400 dollars), this new MG4 clearly intends to take the head of the compact electric compacts accessible in China.
MG also puts on the style, with a silhouette inspired by its Cyberster roadster: carved carlish, separate tapered optics and backlit front logo. Two new shades are appearing, including a surprising “Qingbo Green” with “European pigments”, which tries to flatter the eyes of young urban people a little more.
In terms of cabin, MG inaugurates a collaboration with Oppo via the MG × Oppo system: an interface thought for fluid synchronization between smartphone and car, integrating vocal commands, gesture navigation and application control. Failing to be revolutionary, the experience promises to be more intuitive and modern than what a number of Chinese rivals offer in this price range.
What about Europe?
The big question is whether we will have the right to this version in Europe. For the moment, the current MG4 sold on the old continent remains in the catalog. A restyling is indeed planned. But this new version does not yet seem to the program with us. Damage.
