MG Cyber GTS Set For 2025 Debut With SAIC’s Solid-State Battery

SAIC confirmed that its first all-solid-state battery will be primed in an MG model slated for release in the second quarter of 2025. This was announced by SAIC’s Executive Deputy General Manager Yu Jingmin, who also noted that the electric MG S5 is set to hit the market by Nov this year.

While several Chinese companies have been working on solid-state battery technology, none have yet succeeded in bringing a commercially viable product to the market. They are part of a broader race that includes global automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai-Kia, Nissan, and Toyota. These companies aim to develop solid-state batteries capable of delivering driving ranges exceeding 1,000 KM.

Solid-state batteries are reported to be 40% smaller and 25% lighter, thanks to its higher energy density storage capability. These batteries also promise to last longer and is capable of handling up to 45,000 charging cycles, and can function effectively in a broad temperature range (-25°C to 60°C).

Best of all, solid electrolytes are safer as they are non-flammable, non-corrosive, and eliminate the risk of leakage. This is why Chinese automakers and battery giants such as BYD subsidiary FinDreams Battery, CATL, NIO,  CALB, EVE Energy and Gotion High-tech recently came together under the China All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP) to advance the commercialisation of solid-state batteries for EVs.

However, the challenge lies in producing these batteries at a cost low enough to make them commercially feasible. SAIC's first solid-state battery is likely to appear in the IM L6 in China but go under the MG badge as the Cyber GTS for the overseas market.

As for the MG S5, this compact electric SUV will still be powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as for the time being solid-state battery technology is not expected to be used in mass-market models until at least 2030.

CarNewsChina reported that Xu Yanhua, Secretary-General of the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance said that liquid-based batteries will continue to dominate the Chinese market for the foreseeable future.

The MG S5, built on the same platform as the MG4 launched in Malaysia recently, sits 4,476 MM long with a 2,730 MM wheelbase, 1,849 MM wide, and 1,621 MM tall. It features a 125 kW (168 HP) rear-mounted e-motor similar to the MG4 Standard variant and weighs between 1,615 KG and 1,740 KG.