SAIC Motor says the new MG4 has surpassed 100,000 units produced just eight months after launch, making it one of China’s fastest-selling electric hatchbacks and one of the first large-scale tests of semi-solid-state battery technology in a mainstream consumer EV.

The milestone is notable not only because of the vehicle’s sales pace, but because the MG4 is marketed as the world’s first mass-produced EV equipped with a semi-solid-state battery.

That technology has long been discussed as a possible next step beyond today’s conventional lithium-ion batteries, promising improvements in safety, energy density, and battery longevity. Until recently, however, it remained largely limited to prototypes and small-scale pilot projects.

Now it is appearing in a car priced similarly to many entry-level gasoline vehicles.

The MG4 launched in China last August and is sold in overseas markets including Europe and the UK as the MG4 Urban. Prices in China start at around 68,800 yuan ($10,000), while the semi-solid-state version costs approximately 102,800 yuan ($14,500).

At those prices, SAIC is positioning advanced battery technology as a mass-market feature rather than a premium experiment.

The standard MG4 lineup uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs in either 42.8 kWh or 53.95 kWh configurations. Depending on the version, the hatchback delivers between 437 km and 530 km of CLTC-rated driving range.

The semi-solid-state model uses a manganese-based lithium-ion battery with reduced liquid electrolyte content.

In simple terms, semi-solid-state batteries replace much of the flammable liquid electrolyte used in traditional lithium-ion batteries with more stable materials. SAIC says the design reduces combustion risk while improving long-term durability and battery cycle life.

The company claims the battery reduced liquid electrolyte content to roughly 5%, helping it pass needle penetration safety tests without smoke, fire, or explosion. Such tests are designed to simulate internal battery damage that could potentially trigger thermal runaway.

Battery safety has become an increasingly important issue as EV adoption grows globally.

While modern EV battery fires remain relatively uncommon, automakers and regulators continue searching for chemistries that offer greater thermal stability and lower fire risk, particularly in high-volume affordable vehicles.

The MG4’s broader appeal, however, likely extends beyond battery chemistry alone.

The hatchback competes in one of China’s fastest-growing EV segments, offering compact dimensions similar to the BYD Dolphin alongside relatively low pricing, modern in-car technology, and competitive range figures. Higher trims include a 15.6-inch infotainment display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, while all versions use a front-mounted electric motor producing 161 horsepower.

Fast charging is also relatively competitive for the segment, with the battery able to recharge from 30% to 80% in around 20 minutes under suitable DC fast-charging conditions.

The vehicle’s strong sales performance comes during a broader rebound for SAIC’s new energy vehicle business.

According to company figures, SAIC Passenger Vehicle’s NEV deliveries increased more than 230% during the first four months of 2026, reaching roughly 128,000 units. The company has also begun expanding the technology into additional models, including the newly announced MG 4X electric SUV.

Europe appears to be the next major target.

SAIC says it plans to introduce the same semi-solid-state battery technology to European and UK markets by the end of 2026. The overseas version is expected to use the same 53.95 kWh battery pack, although WLTP-rated driving range will likely fall closer to 400 km due to stricter testing standards compared to China’s CLTC cycle.

The rollout reflects how quickly Chinese automakers are moving advanced EV technologies into lower-cost segments.

Features and battery technologies that were once limited to luxury or experimental vehicles are increasingly appearing in affordable mass-market models. Whether semi-solid-state batteries become the next major industry standard remains uncertain, but the MG4 suggests the technology is beginning to move beyond the prototype stage and into large-scale commercial use.