- MG glued to its promises by inaugurating the first semi-solid-social batteries
- The first indications suggest that it is on sale in China for less than $ 14,000
- Saic and MG undoubtedly seek to present technology elsewhere
Chinese car manufacturer SAIC revealed that it would introduce the first mass electric vehicles in the world to launch worldwide with semi-solid state batteries in the next MG4 after promising technology last year.
Effrocated for sale in China, the MG4 of the range exchanges a lithium iron phosphate chemistry (LFP) for more lithium-ion batteries based on dense manganese provided by Qingtaoenergy.
The main difference between a semi-solid battery and the existing LFP chemistry is that the electrolyte rides the line between a liquid and a solid.
Where electrolyte in traditional LFP batteries tends to consist of a lithium liquid, semi-solid batteries use a frost-shaped substance.
According to reports, the new MG4 batteries have an energy density of 180Wh / kg and they should have a range of around 333 miles. But MG did not disclose the full capacity of the battery or the exact beach.
Interestingly, the new battery technology does not provide a breakthrough in the range, with cheaper LFP battery options in the range of models offering a similar electric range.
But semi-solid chemistry offers advantages in greater energy density (lighter and smaller battery packs), increased safety levels thanks to the non-shattering electrolyte substance, improved longevity and much faster loading potential.
SAIC says the MG4 will be sold in China with prices starting at less than $ 10,000 and going to $ 14,000 for semi-solid battery models. The model should be deployed in the world markets, like Europe, early next year.
Affordable progress
Although the announcement of the Saic battery does not seem to deliver a considerable leap within range, we have seen the expensive charging times radically, while the batteries themselves are presented to last longer before showing signs of degradation, helping to improve the residual values of the cars.
Alas, the real turning point in EV technology will come when batteries in the complete solid state will arrive on the market, avoiding liquid electrolytes for solid material, such as metal, ceramics and polymers.
A number of major car brands are already working on technology, with Mercedes -Benz promising 450Wh / kg at the cellular level – almost four times that of MG’s recent announcement.
These smaller and more dense packages promise greater load speeds and the possibility of offering an impressive range of the real world without the additional weight, which would allow manufacturers of sports cars to produce the kind of agile and agile walks for which performance fans have shouted.
However, it is very likely that manufacturers of Chinese battery and car brands are the first to market technology.
For the moment, the announcement of SAIC and MG seems to fill a gap before the real breakthroughs occur, but that remains impressive progress. And progress that does not come with an enticing price.
