MG Set to Lead Electric Vehicle Market with Solid State Batteries in 2022

In a surprising announcement at the Chengdu motor show, the executive vice president of SAIC, the parent company of MG, has revealed that the automaker will start using solid state battery (SSB) technology in their electric vehicles (EVs) as early as next year. This places MG and other SAIC brands like IM and Wuling ahead of competitors such as Toyota and Volkswagen in the race to bring SSB technology to market.

SSB technology is a significant advancement in battery technology, offering a higher energy density, increased safety, and faster charging times compared to current lithium-ion batteries. With solid state batteries, vehicles can achieve greater ranges without sacrificing interior space or increasing the overall weight of the vehicle.

SAIC's sister company, IM Motor, has already showcased the potential of this technology with its new L6 Saloon, boasting a 133kWh battery pack and a 673-mile range on China's Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). The vehicle can also add a 249-mile range in just 12 minutes from a high-powered rapid charger outlet.

While details about the specifics of MG's solid state batteries have not been disclosed, it is expected that they will follow a similar trend to those used by IM Motor. The adoption of this technology across SAIC's brands could lead to more affordable and efficient EVs for consumers.

As the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles, advancements like solid state battery technology are crucial to improving performance and reducing the environmental impact of EVs. With MG set to introduce SSBs into their lineup next year, other automakers will undoubtedly be paying close attention to the potential benefits and challenges of this cutting-edge technology.