Semi-solid batteries to power affordable Chinese EVs promising 334-mile range
As part of a media event on Thursday, MG's division general manager Chen Cui announced that the upcoming MG4 electric hatchback will be the world's first budget EV to feature a semi-solid-state battery, a technology until now limited to premium or concept cars.
The new MG4 will debut on August 5. The battery, supplied by QingTao Energy, uses only 5% liquid electrolyte, improving safety and stability. MG adds that the model has passed strict safety tests, including a full 360-degree puncture test.
MG also claims that in cold temperatures of 19.4°F, the battery retains 13.8% more range than traditional lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, a significant advantage for drivers in colder climates, where battery efficiency and range typically decrease.
Semi-solid battery boosts range and safety
The innovative battery technology that the new MG4 uses combines the advantages of solid-state and traditional liquid batteries by incorporating a semi-solid electrolyte. This design significantly enhances safety, energy density, and durability.
Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, semi-solid-state batteries lower the risk of overheating and fires while providing longer driving ranges and faster charging times. The battery on MG4 is estimated to deliver a range of 334 miles and has an energy density of 180 Wh/kg, enhancing performance for everyday drivers.
The vehicle is equipped with a 70 kWh battery pack that powers a 120 kW electric motor mounted at the rear, offering a rear-wheel-drive setup with a single motor. The MG4's rear-wheel drive and balanced power output may appeal to drivers seeking a sportier and more engaging electric hatchback experience.
This configuration could provide better driving dynamics and performance compared to some competitors. For example, the BYD Dolphin's base model uses a front-wheel-drive system with a 70 kW motor, while higher trims offer a more powerful 150 kW motor.
Tech upgrades, aggressive pricing to rival competitors
The updated MG4 is larger than the previous model and its competitors. It measures about 14.4 feet long and 6 feet wide, with a wheelbase of 9 feet. By comparison, the BYD Dolphin is smaller, at 14 feet long and an 8.9-foot wheelbase.
The MG4 is also expected to aggressively complete with the BYD Dolphin in terms of price, as per the announcement made Chen Cui at the event.
Furthermore, the new MG4 will also introduce the MG×Oppo cockpit system, created through a collaboration with Oppo. This advanced system seamlessly connects smartphone features to the car's interface, allowing drivers to use voice commands, navigate with gestures, and sync their phone apps for a more connected driving experience.
Production of the new MG4 has officially begun at parent company SAIC Motor's state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Nanjing, China, marking a significant milestone as the group prepares for the model's highly anticipated launch in August.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lexus of Albuquerque Unveils New Multi-Million Dollar Sales, Service, and Parts Facility
Expansion Expected to Shorten Service Times and Enhance the Lexus Guest Experience ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a 20-month, multi-million dollar renovation including ground-up construction, Lexus of Albuquerque will officially unveil its new, state-of-the-art dealership next Tuesday. Grand reopening activities, featuring food, drink, and entertainment—not to mention the newest Lexus models—will take place from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, July 29 at the new dealership, located at 4821 Pan American Fwy. in Albuquerque. Lexus of Albuquerque is part of Houston-based Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), one of the country's largest owners of automotive dealerships, franchises, and collision centers. "From the moment guests drive up, they're surrounded by a sleek and modern dealership with the amenities that Lexus owners expect and deserve," said Mont Porter, General Manager of Lexus of Albuquerque. "Everything from new speed doors that open up to an air-conditioned service drive-up, to solar-powered lot lighting, the addition of EV chargers, and new landscaping, we've focused on creating a premium customer experience, and we invite our guests to come see it for themselves." The previous dealership facility, which was 25 years old, no longer met the needs of customers and Lexus team members, according to Porter. The new dealership includes a new car wash, double the number of service bays from 16 to 32, and space to hire more service technicians, which Porter said he plans to expand to 30 from its current 21. The new showroom, decorated with Albuquerque city themes and southwestern colors, can accommodate 22 salespeople and more cars. In total, more than 17,000 square feet of space has been added for parts and service, including relocating the parts department cashier to the front waiting area for added guest convenience. The new showroom also includes an upscale customer waiting area with complimentary drinks, snacks, and wi-fi. In Group 1's tradition of giving back, Lexus of Albuquerque is making a $10,000 donation to Girls on the Run, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that believes physical activity-based positive youth development programs can enhance girls' social, emotional, and physical skills and behaviors to navigate life experiences successfully. About Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Group 1 owns and operates 258 automotive dealerships, 322 franchises, and 39 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 36 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations at and Media Contact: Kimberly BartaHead of Marketing and CommunicationsGroup 1 Automotive, Inc.503-539-0756kbarta@ View original content: SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Forbes
43 minutes ago
- Forbes
Coal Isn't Dead Yet: Global Trends Defy Climate Pledges
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 08: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks alongside coal and energy ... More workers during an executive order signing ceremony in the East Room of the White House on April 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration has elected to roll back Biden-era environmental policies with the intention to help revive coal-fired power plants. (Photo by) Despite years of climate summits and net-zero targets, global coal consumption and production both hit record highs in 2024. According to the newly released 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy, global coal demand reached an all-time high of 165.1 exajoules (EJ), a powerful reminder of how deeply the world still relies on this carbon-intensive fuel. The Asia-Pacific Powerhouse At the heart of coal's resilience is Asia. China alone accounted for a staggering 56% of global coal consumption last year, burning through 92.2 EJ. That's an increase of nearly 17% since 2017, despite repeated predictions that China had already passed 'peak coal.' The reality is that coal remains the backbone of China's electricity system, industrial activity, and energy security strategy. India, too, has doubled down on coal. Consumption there climbed to 21.8 EJ, up nearly 45% from a decade earlier. A combination of rising electricity demand, a lack of natural gas infrastructure, and favorable government policies continues to drive growth. The broader Asia-Pacific region tells a similar story. Nations like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh are rapidly expanding coal use as they build out electricity grids and industrial capacity. For these countries, coal remains cheap, reliable, and—in many cases—domestically abundant. While wealthier nations are pushing renewables, many developing economies simply can't afford the transition at the same pace. Decline Elsewhere—But Not Enough Coal use continues to fall across much of the OECD. Europe, for example, saw consumption drop to 10 EJ in 2024, continuing a steady downward trend even amid energy security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. There were some short-lived spikes in places like Germany and Poland, but the overall direction remains lower. Coal Consumption 1965-2024. In the U.S., coal use came in at 9.9 EJ—well below historical highs but showing a small post-COVID rebound. America's power sector has largely shifted to natural gas and renewables, and the long-term trajectory remains downward. Yet these declines aren't enough to offset growth in the developing world. Non-OECD countries now account for about 71% of global coal consumption, up from 63% just a decade ago. The energy divide is widening, and it has significant implications for both climate policy and resource security. Production Keeps Pace—For Now Coal production also surged in 2024, hitting a new global record of 182 EJ. China again leads the way, producing more than half the world's coal—94 EJ in total. India continued its rapid expansion, more than doubling its output since 2006. Indonesia, too, has nearly quadrupled production over that period, largely to meet export demand from Asia. In contrast, the U.S. and Russia hold massive coal reserves but have adopted more cautious production strategies. The U.S. produced 23 EJ in 2024, about 12% of the global total. Russia has plateaued around 9.2 EJ, in part due to sanctions and shifting market dynamics. Non-OECD countries now supply over 60% of global coal output, up from 45% in 2006. This underscores a broader trend: the coal economy is increasingly centered in the Global South, where energy demand is still growing rapidly and alternative infrastructure is limited. A Word on Reserves An important context is that the world still has plenty of coal. The U.S. has the largest proven reserves, with a reserves-to-production (R/P) ratio exceeding 500 years. Russia, Australia, and India also boast deep reserves, although China's are being depleted far more quickly—its R/P ratio is just 37 years. Still, not all reserves are created equally. Countries like Germany and Poland have large deposits of lignite, which is less energy-dense and more polluting than higher-grade coals. Meanwhile, nations like Indonesia and Australia hold coal that is more export-friendly, giving them an edge in global markets. The Infrastructure Trap Part of what keeps coal in play is infrastructure inertia. Across Asia, decades of investment in coal plants, rail networks, and ports have created a system that's hard to unwind. Coal provides steady baseload power in a way that intermittent renewables currently can't—especially in places where battery storage and LNG terminals are lacking. Governments are responding to surging demand with a mix of pragmatism and contradiction. China and India are investing heavily in renewables, but they're also approving new coal projects to avoid blackouts. Subsidies and favorable mining policies persist, even as leaders make high-profile climate pledges. Final Thoughts Global coal use isn't going away any time soon. To the contrary, global coal consumption still growing. The world's wealthiest nations are moving away from it, but the momentum in Asia and the Global South is more than enough to offset those declines. For better or worse, coal remains a pillar of global energy—driven by affordability, energy security, and infrastructure lock-in. The challenge for policymakers is to reconcile this reality with climate goals. Until the world finds scalable, affordable alternatives for baseload power in emerging economies, coal will continue to thrive. And that makes bridging the gap between ambition and reality more important—and more difficult—than ever.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Son Heung-min set for Tottenham showdown talks after receiving £15m LAFC offer as South Korean heads into final year of Spurs contract
LAFC make £15m bid for Son Tottenham delay decision until post-Asia tour Captain's presence vital for Spurs' commercial obligations Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? Tottenham received a £15m offer from LAFC for Son earlier this week, and the Lilywhites are seriously weighing up a potential sale this summer, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. However, earlier reports have suggested that they are not expected to sanction any move until after their Asia tour, where Son is seen as a central figure. The South Korean still has a year left on his deal, and Spurs are open to further discussions. THE BIGGER PICTURE Despite a rather horrific Premier League season in which they finished 17th, Son captained Tottenham to a historic Europa League title in 2024-25. The 33-year-old has been a consistent performer over the years, even winning the Golden Boot in 2022. The South Korea international still has a year left on his deal, and Spurs are open to further discussions. An exit would mark the end of a decade-long era in north London. DID YOU KNOW? Son remains one of Tottenham's most popular and marketable players, particularly in Asia, making him crucial to their pre-season plans. Reports suggest Spurs could lose up to 75 per cent of their tour revenue if he doesn't feature, which is the reason the Lilywhites will only decide on his future after the tour. With Thomas Frank open to either outcome, the club must now balance football and commercial interests before making a decision. WHAT NEXT FOR SON? Son is expected to travel and feature in the upcoming pre-season matches in South Korea and Hong Kong. Formal talks about his future will likely resume after the tour concludes. The Black and Gold are keen, but any deal hinges on Son agreeing to a move to the United States and to LAFC, in particular.