China shocks auto world with $15,000 EV using game-changing semi-solid-state battery

SAIC MG, a Chinese EV maker might have just sent shock waves in the EV world after it unveiled the world’s first commercial semi-solid-state battery powered vehicle at the China Auto show on Friday, as per reports.

The car, named Anxin—the latest in line of the famous MG4 vehicles—was unveiled during the flagship EV event which was held in Chengdu area of China, and has a starting price of a mere $14000.

MG4 battery range and fast charging

The car comes with two engine options, 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh, which offer an impressive CLTC range of 437 km (272 miles) and 530 km (330 miles), respectively. A 30% to 80% recharge in about 20 minutes is also a competitive feature in Anxin.


The other four trims available in the MG4 segment are Comfort, Ease, Freedom and Smart, with display options of infotainment screens ranging between 10.25″, 12.8″, or 15.6″. However, the semi-solid-state model is expected to feature the largest display along with an advanced driver-assist system with 12 ultrasonic radars, four surround-view cameras, and two additional sensors front and rear, enabling features such as high-speed Navigation-on-Assist (NOA) and remote parking.

MG4 size and market demand

In terms of sheet size, the MG4 lineup even beats BYD's flagship Dolphin hatchback, with the EV being 4,395 mm long, 1,842 mm wide, and 1,551 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase.

Reports said that SAIC is going to make the semi-solid-state battery car available by the end of 2025, with the company receiving about 10,000 pre-orders within 39 minutes of its launch. The price cap of $14,000 will remain till October 31.

BYD, NIO and Xpeng have made China the leader in EV tech, with the companies combining both affordability and speed in their EVs. More than half of all of the world’s EV are already in China, with American giant Tesla also lagging behind BYD in global sales.

Reports say that the Chinese EV market has already beaten the US in terms of charging speed—being the first to launch the 5-minute charging technology—and mass production. In the US, the spread of charging stations has been slower than usual and auto majors apart from Tesla—Ford, GM— have struggled to transition from their traditional engines.

However, experts say that the inflation reduction act and the unfreezing of NEVI charging funding could help push US companies faster if they are combined with other state incentives akin to those enjoyed by Chinese auto majors.

FAQs

Q1. What is the price of the new SAIC MG4 Anxin EV?
The MG4 Anxin with a semi-solid-state battery starts at about $14,000 in China.

Q2. How far can the MG4 Anxin EV drive on a single charge?
It can drive up to 530 km (330 miles) with the bigger 53.9 kWh battery.