SAIC's All-Solid-State Battery to Debut in MG Cars by 2025

Yu Jingmin, the Executive Deputy General Manager of SAIC Passenger Vehicle, revealed in a recent interview that SAIC’s self-developed all-solid-state battery will make its first appearance in an MG car. This vehicle is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, Yu mentioned that the electric MG S5 model is set to launch in November 2024.

Solid-State Battery Development in China and Beyond

In recent years, several Chinese companies have expressed their ambitions to develop solid-state batteries. However, none have yet succeeded in producing a commercially available all-solid-state battery. Globally, companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai-Kia, Nissan, and Toyota are also working on this technology, with claims that their vehicles will eventually offer ranges exceeding 1,000 km.

Key Advantages of Solid-State Batteries

• Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, unlike conventional batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte.
• Solid-state batteries can reduce their volume by 40%.
• These batteries are 25% lighter compared to traditional batteries.
• The changes in volume and weight contribute to significantly higher energy density.
• Solid-state batteries are expected to last up to 45,000 charge cycles.
• They can operate in temperatures between -25°C and 60°C.
• Solid electrolytes are non-flammable, non-corrosive, and non-volatile, which reduces risks like leakage and enhances overall safety.

Upcoming MG S5 Model

In the same interview, Yu Jingmin announced that the MG S5 electric SUV will launch in November 2024. This compact SUV will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries rather than solid-state technology. Solid-state batteries are not expected to be available in smaller, more affordable models like the S5 until at least 2030. Initially, these advanced batteries will be reserved for high-end vehicles, competing with NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) chemistry batteries.

According to Xu Yanhua, Secretary-General of the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance, liquid batteries will continue to dominate the Chinese market until at least 2030.

MG S5 Specifications

Challenges in Commercialization

The biggest challenge in bringing solid-state batteries to market is achieving mass production at a cost-effective price. SAIC is expected to introduce these batteries in 2025, likely debuting them in a high-end MG model, possibly the Cyber GTS, which was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.