What MG’s new semi-solid-state battery can deliver
According to MG, the battery delivers around 20 per cent higher power output and improved charging performance, particularly in low-temperature conditions.
MG
MG is bringing semi-solid-state battery technology closer to series production. The Solid-Core battery promises improved performance, charging and stability — marking a tangible step towards next-generation battery systems.
For years, breakthroughs in battery technology have been
widely announced but rarely delivered at scale. Solid-state
batteries, in particular, have often remained confined to prototypes and
presentations.
MG’s solid-core battery is different in one key respect: it
moves semi-solid-state technology closer to real-world application. Rather than
promising a disruptive leap, it focuses on measurable improvements in
performance, stability and usability.
What defines MG’s semi-solid-state approach
The solid-core battery is not a fully solid-state system.
Instead, it follows a semi-solid-state design, where around 95 per cent of the
cell consists of solid materials, while a small share of liquid electrolyte
remains.
This hybrid approach aims to balance stability and
performance. The solid components improve structural integrity and reduce
thermal risks, while the remaining liquid electrolyte ensures efficient ion
transport within the cell.
According to MG, the battery delivers around 20 per cent
higher power output and improved charging performance, particularly in
low-temperature conditions. Reports also indicate more stable range behaviour
in cold environments compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
batteries.
The expected lifecycle reaches around 3,000 full charge
cycles before dropping to roughly 80 per cent state of health — a competitive
value in this segment.
Why cathode structure makes the difference
The key innovation lies in the cathode material. Battery
performance is heavily influenced by how lithium ions move through the crystal
structure of the cathode.
Traditional LFP batteries rely on a one-dimensional
structure, where ions move along a limited pathway. Nickel-manganese-cobalt
(NMC) chemistries offer more flexibility, but still operate within relatively
constrained layers.
MG’s solid-core battery: key facts at a glance
- Type: Semi-solid-state battery (approx. 95% solid, 5% liquid)
- Key benefit: Improved stability and reduced thermal risk
- Performance: ~20% higher power output
- Charging: Faster performance, especially in cold conditions
- Lifecycle: ~3,000 charge cycles to 80% state of health
- Cathode: Spinel structure (3D ion pathways)
- Energy density: ~200 Wh/kg (cell), ~180 Wh/kg (pack)
- Future target: Up to 250 Wh/kg
- Range: ~537 km (CLTC), ~440 km (WLTP equivalent)
- Positioning: Incremental improvement, not full solid-state breakthrough
MG’s approach uses a spinel structure, which enables
three-dimensional ion pathways. In practical terms, this allows lithium ions to
move more freely through the material, improving conductivity and reducing
bottlenecks.
The result is a battery that can charge and discharge more
efficiently, particularly under demanding conditions such as high loads or low
temperatures. While MG has not officially disclosed the exact chemistry,
industry observations suggest a manganese-based spinel cathode.
What the technology means in practice
In terms of energy density, MG specifies around 200 Wh/kg at
cell level, with pack-level figures closer to 180 Wh/kg. Future iterations are
expected to reach up to 250 Wh/kg.
Real-world testing in China suggests that a 70 kWh battery
delivers a range of around 537 kilometres under the CLTC cycle, equivalent to
roughly 440 kilometres under WLTP conditions.
This positions the solid-core battery not as a range leader,
but as a solution targeting everyday usability. Improvements in cold-weather
performance, charging behaviour and durability address known weaknesses of
current battery technologies.
The conclusion is clear. MG’s semi-solid-state battery is
not a disruptive breakthrough, but a pragmatic step forward. It demonstrates
how incremental innovation — rather than radical promises — may define the next phase of battery development.
