It’s been three months since the new second-generation MG4 was revealed, and while the electric hatchback has yet to be launched in China, we now know that the car could debut with a groundbreaking new piece of technology. According to Autohome, the MG4 will be offered with a “powerful secret weapon” in its battery when the order books open on August 5. The announcement was made by general manager Chen Cui, who said the innovation is part of MG’s plan to differentiate itself through advances in technology rather than engaging in a price war. This lines up with his predecessor Zhao Yan’s previous comments saying that MG’s first new car launched this year will introduce semi-solid-state battery technology. It stands to reason, then, that the MG4 will be the recipient of this technology, making it one of the world’s first EVs to be fitted with it. The use of a semi-solid electrolyte is set to bring significant improvements in energy density and safety, meaning that the car will likely offer faster charging and either more range or less weight. The new MG4 was previously reported to use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to juice a single 163 PS (120 kW) electric motor, according to a ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) filing. It’s unclear if this was a ruse, or if there was a last-minute change in specification to add semi-solid-state technology, which would explain the long wait for official information of the car. Of course, it could also be that the MG4 will offer conventional LFP batteries on lower-spec models, saving the new tech for higher-end variants. One clue that may be pointing to the fitment of semi-solid-state batteries is that the car is around 150 kg lighter than the old model, sitting at a relatively featherweight 1,485 kg. What we do know for sure is that the MG4 will mark a sea change from the sportier, lower-slung outgoing model. The new car has a taller, MPV-like one-box design that brings it closer to its rival, the BYD Dolphin, while the Cyberster-inspired front end with its rounded headlights and upturned split air intake gives the MG4 a friendlier look compared to its predecessor’s sharp snout. Last but not least, the MG4 is set to debut the latest phone connectivity technology using Oppo devices, although this is expected to be exclusive for the Chinese market. The car is set to go on sale exactly one month after bookings are opened, on September 5.
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