Semi-solid-state and sodium-ion EV news this week highlights two major battery shifts in the electric vehicle market. First, MG plans to bring semi-solid-state battery technology to Europe in the MG4 EV Urban range by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, CATL is pushing sodium-ion batteries forward through new partnerships and vehicle programs. In addition, NIO is expanding its in-house chip strategy, Rivian has disclosed a US$403 million CEO pay package, and Polestar continues to cut emissions as it works toward its long-term climate goal.
Semi-Solid-State and Sodium-Ion EV News This Week: MG Brings New Battery Tech to Europe
MG Motor, which SAIC Motor owns, says it has achieved mass production of semi-solid-state batteries. As a result, MG claims a first for a volume-produced model using this battery type. The company plans to introduce the technology in Europe through the MG4 EV Urban range by the end of 2026.
Semi-solid-state batteries matter because they move EVs closer to all-solid-state systems. These next-generation batteries can support higher energy density, longer driving range, stronger output, and longer service life than traditional liquid electrolyte batteries. Therefore, MG’s rollout could mark an important step for mainstream EV buyers in Europe.
Several automakers continue to invest in this direction. For example, Toyota has outlined plans for all-solid-state EV batteries. However, MG now appears set to bring a semi-solid-state option to market sooner in a mass-produced vehicle. That timing gives the MG4 a strong place in this week’s EV news cycle.
Semi-Solid-State and Sodium-Ion EV News This Week: CATL Expands Sodium-Ion Plans
CATL, the world’s largest Lithium-ion EV battery maker, is also broadening its battery strategy. The company signed an agreement with HyperStrong to build sodium-ion batteries. At the same time, CATL announced with Changan the first mass-production passenger vehicle equipped with sodium-ion batteries.
This move matters because sodium-ion batteries offer several attractive benefits. They can support lower-cost production, improved safety, strong sustainability potential, and reliable performance. In addition, CATL says its Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery can operate in extremely cold conditions. That feature could help EV adoption in regions with harsh winters.
CATL’s latest agreements show that battery makers are not relying on one chemistry alone. Instead, they are building a broader technology mix for different vehicle needs. As a result, sodium-ion batteries have become a key part of the conversation around affordable and practical EV growth.
Semi-Solid-State and Sodium-Ion EV News This Week: NIO Builds In-House AI Chips
NIO is also making moves beyond batteries. The Chinese EV maker is developing custom AI chips to reduce reliance on outside suppliers such as NVIDIA. According to Reuters, NIO CEO William Li said the company is advancing this work under its chip subsidiary, Shenji.
Earlier this year, Shenji received an additional US$330 million in funding from Chinese investors. NIO already uses its own smart technology in vehicles, and its NX9031 chip is set to launch in the Onvo L90. These chips support advanced vehicle assistance and other smart driving functions. Therefore, NIO’s chip strategy could strengthen its control over core EV technology.
Semi-Solid-State and Sodium-Ion EV News This Week: Rivian CEO Pay Draws Attention
Rivian made headlines for executive compensation. CEO RJ Scaringe earned US$403 million in total pay over the past year, according to a company filing. That figure places him among the highest-paid auto executives in the United States.
The package included more than US$373 million in stock options and US$26.6 million in stock awards under a board-approved 2025 deal. In addition, Scaringe received a US$1.1 million salary and a US$1 million bonus. The filing also states that his salary will rise to US$2 million in 2026, while his maximum bonus will increase to US$1.7 million.
Rivian’s board defended the package by saying it is entirely at risk. The shares unlock only if the company achieves major stock-price and financial improvements. At the same time, Rivian is counting on its newly released R2 SUV to support future growth and improve its financial position.
Semi-Solid-State and Sodium-Ion EV News This Week: Polestar Cuts Emissions
Polestar rounded out the week with an update on sustainability. The Swedish carmaker says it has reduced emissions per vehicle sold by 31% since 2020. The company is working toward a goal of producing a net-zero car without offsets by 2035.
This progress matters because EV manufacturing still creates significant carbon emissions, especially in material-intensive areas such as steel and lithium extraction. Therefore, Polestar’s focus on reducing production emissions adds another important layer to this week’s EV story. It shows that battery innovation and cleaner manufacturing now move forward together.
Why This EV News Week Matters
This week’s developments show how quickly the EV sector is evolving. MG is preparing semi-solid-state batteries for Europe. CATL is expanding sodium-ion battery production with major partners. NIO is building more technology in-house. Rivian is tying executive rewards to future performance. Meanwhile, Polestar is pushing deeper into low-emission manufacturing.
Together, these updates point to a broader trend. EV makers are competing on battery chemistry, software, manufacturing, and financial execution at the same time. For readers tracking the market, semi-solid-state and sodium-ion EV news this week offers a clear look at where the industry is heading next.
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