MG debuts with semi-solid state batteries

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MG debuts with semi-solid state batteries

MG Motor announced that its second-generation MG4 hatchback will be equipped with a semi-fixed state battery. Solid-state batteries are the holy grail of electric cars, a more energy-rich structure that allows you to everything you want – faster charging speeds, a larger range of the same weight, a smaller fire risk, you can name it. Mercedes has begun testing EQS prototypes using the technology. But the big question surrounding solid-state batteries is price and whether they are exclusive areas for luxury brands.

Originally in the UK but now owned brands in China seem to have found a way to reduce costs. The MG4 debuted in China on August 4, where Insideevs will only start $11,000 in that market. How does MG do it? By not making the solid state package completely solid. The batteries developed by Qingtao Energy still have about 5% liquid electrolytes, resulting in gels rather than pure fluids like those found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. This is not the largest battery in the world either. In fact, its energy density is greater than that of Tesla’s current batteries or even the emerging American battery manufacturer’s semi-solid design.

This may sound like a downgrade, but semi-solid batteries still have one advantage: you don’t lose the lithium-ion type of Achilles heel in cold weather. The new battery is down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit at full capacity and at this price makes the MG4 an excellent EV option for everyday use.

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Metal block solid

New MG4 hatchback with semi-fixed state battery-mg

Traditional lithium-ion batteries have both cathodes (half of positively charged) and anodes (negatively charged) that wake up in liquid electrolytes, allowing charged particles to move from one to the other, creating an electric current. The liquid and the entire anode are cancelled in solid state batteries. Instead, when inserted, charged particles coming out of the solid lithium block pass through the ceramic separator and build themselves into their own temporary anode. When it is discharged by turning on the car, the anode particles flow through the circuit, eventually consuming the anode completely.

This design makes the overall size of the battery much smaller and lighter, as you don’t have to drag the anode everywhere. Weight is known to be one of the biggest drawbacks of electric vehicles. The weight is reduced, and the range becomes better even in the same amount of electrical storage.

The technology is coming soon; in addition to Mercedes, other companies such as Volkswagen and Honda are developing solid-state batteries. However, they require more pure lithium than traditional batteries and give supply chain issues, which is a problem of their own. The semi-fixed state is actually a midpoint between the two, and PHEVS may offer a “best of both worlds” solution, at least in the near future. MG hopes to prove the situation, and it can also be done at a cheap price. If possible, this is a big step forward for the entire electric car.