Affordable EVs Featuring Semi-Solid-State Batteries Make Their Debut, But They're Not the Same as Solid-State Batteries

Semi-Solid-State EVs Under 100,000 RMB: What’s the Reality?

“A new car with a semi-solid-state battery is available for less than 100,000 RMB (around 2 million yen)“—on the surface, this sounds like a revolutionary breakthrough. However, the product may actually be little more than a liquid battery wrapped in a “solid jacket.” Despite the one-character difference between “semi-solid” and “solid,” these are two entirely distinct technological paths.

SAIC Launches EVs at a Lower Price Point

SAIC’s MG brand recently began accepting blind pre-orders for its new model, “MG 4X,” which boasts a semi-solid-state battery as its core selling point. With a starting price of 99,800 RMB, the concept of semi-solid-state batteries, once considered a high-end luxury, has been dramatically brought into a sub-100,000 RMB price range.

Back in April, SAIC announced via an investor platform that it planned to release mass-produced models featuring semi-solid-state batteries across multiple brands by the end of the year. Apart from the MG 4X, several additional models are likely to hit the market in the coming months.

The Industry Shifts Toward Mass Production

SAIC is not alone in this race. This year has been dubbed the “year of semi-solid-state battery mass production,” with the entire industry experiencing a surge of activity. Honeycomb Energy announced in October that it had begun mass production of semi-solid-state batteries, while other companies such as Chery, NIO, CALB, and WeLion New Energy have also disclosed their production timelines.

Key Differences Between Semi-Solid and Solid-State Batteries

A natural question arises for many consumers: if semi-solid-state batteries have already reached mass production, does this mean the next-generation “ultimate solution” of solid-state batteries is just around the corner?

Unfortunately, this is an illusion. Semi-solid-state batteries and solid-state batteries are fundamentally different technologies.

Semi-solid-state batteries are merely an improved version of conventional liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries. By reducing the volume of liquid electrolytes and integrating gel-like or small amounts of solid electrolytes, they aim to enhance safety and energy density. Essentially, they represent an evolved form of liquid batteries.

In contrast, solid-state batteries completely replace liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes, representing a groundbreaking new technology with the potential for significant advancements in both safety and energy density. However, numerous technical challenges still stand in the way of mass production.

What Consumers Should Keep in Mind

As consumers pin their hopes for safety and longer driving ranges on the term “solid battery,” there is a risk of confusion between “semi-solid” and “solid-state.” Some manufacturers’ marketing strategies even seem to intentionally exploit this ambiguity.

While the availability of affordable EVs with semi-solid-state batteries is a welcome development for consumers, it is crucial to understand the technology’s essence before making a purchasing decision. The widespread mass production of solid-state batteries is still some time away.

---

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries?
A: Semi-solid-state batteries are an improved version of liquid electrolyte batteries, utilizing reduced liquid content and gel-like or partial solid electrolytes to enhance safety and energy density. In contrast, solid-state batteries completely replace liquid electrolytes with solid ones, representing a completely different technological innovation. However, they are not yet ready for mass production.

Q: Are electric vehicles with semi-solid-state batteries practical?
A: Semi-solid-state batteries offer improved safety and energy density compared to conventional liquid batteries. Models like SAIC’s MG 4X, priced under 100,000 RMB, demonstrate their practicality. However, it is important to recognize that they should not be mistaken for “solid-state battery-equipped” vehicles.