SAIC MG, a Chinese EV manufacturer, may have just caused a stir in the electric-vehicle arena after it revealed the world’s first commercially available vehicle powered by a semi-solid-state battery at the China Auto Show on Friday, according to reports. The car, called Anxin—the newest addition to the popular MG4 lineup—was shown at the flagship EV event held in the Chengdu region of China, and carries a starting price of only $14,000.
MG4 battery range and fast charging
The car is offered with two battery options, 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh, which provide a CLTC range of 437 km (272 miles) and 530 km (330 miles), respectively. Charging from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes is also a competitive trait of the Anxin.
The other four trims in the MG4 family are Comfort, Ease, Freedom and Smart, with infotainment screen choices of 10.25″, 12.8″, or 15.6″. However, the semi-solid-state variant is expected to include the largest display plus an advanced driver-assist package with 12 ultrasonic radars, four surround-view cameras, and two extra sensors front and rear, enabling functions such as high-speed Navigation-on-Assist (NOA) and remote parking.
MG4 size and market demand
In terms of overall dimensions, the MG4 series even outclasses BYD’s flagship Dolphin hatchback, measuring 4,395 mm long, 1,842 mm wide, and 1,551 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase.
Reports indicate SAIC aims to launch the semi-solid-state battery model by the end of 2025, with the firm reportedly receiving around 10,000 pre-orders within 39 minutes of its debut. The $14,000 price cap will remain in place until October 31.
BYD, NIO and Xpeng have pushed China to the vanguard of EV technology, with these companies blending affordability and performance in their vehicles. More than half of the world’s electric vehicles are already in China, with US giant Tesla also trailing BYD in global sales. Reports say the Chinese EV market has already surpassed the US in charging speed—being first to roll out 5-minute charging technology—and in mass production.
In the US, the rollout of charging infrastructure has been slower, and legacy automakers other than Tesla—Ford, GM—have struggled to move away from conventional engines. However, experts note that the Inflation Reduction Act and the resumption of NEVI charging funding could accelerate US companies if combined with other state incentives similar to those that benefit Chinese automakers.
See also: China’s EV Market Growth Masks Profitability Pressures for Automakers
FAQs
Q1. What is the price of the new SAIC MG4 Anxin EV?
The MG4 Anxin equipped with a semi-solid-state battery starts at roughly $14,000 in China.
Q2. How far can the MG4 Anxin EV drive on a single charge?
With the larger 53.9 kWh pack it can travel up to 530 km (330 miles) on a single charge.
Auto and lifestyle writer who loves simplifying complex topics into easy-to-understand insights.
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