On August 29, 2025, at the Chengdu International Auto Show, SAIC MG's all-new MG4 "Semi-Solid-State Safety Edition" debuted with a shocking limited-time subsidized price of 99,800 yuan, becoming the world's first mass-produced car model to bring semi-solid-state battery technology below the 100,000-yuan threshold.

On August 30, 2025, the first management committee meeting of the Huazhong University of Science and Technology-Dongfeng Motor Joint Research Institute was successfully held, with the official signing of the first six scientific research projects. This marks the substantive phase of cooperation between the two parties in cutting-edge fields such as solid-state batteries and lightweight technologies. The solid-state battery development plan is expected to adopt semi-solid-state as a transitional phase, with full solid-state as the ultimate goal, encompassing multiple generations of products including 350Wh/kg and 500Wh/kg models, demonstrating Dongfeng Motor's technological ambitions in the solid-state battery sector.

[SMM Analysis: Cathode Material Production Rises MoM in August, September-October Peak Season Kicks Off Preheating] SMM, September 1: In August, China's total monthly lithium carbonate production hit a new record, surpassing the 85,000 mt mark, up 5% MoM and 39% YoY. Lithium hydroxide production fell 13% MoM and 31% YoY. Cobalt sulphate production dropped 1.56% MoM but rose 6.26% YoY. Co3O4 production increased 13% MoM and 38% YoY. Ternary cathode precursor production showed notable growth, up 8.55% MoM and 11.30% YoY. Ternary cathode material production rose 6.99% MoM but declined 5.07% YoY. Iron phosphate production exhibited significant growth, up 5% MoM and 59% YoY. LFP material production increased approximately 8.8% MoM and 50% YoY, with an industry operating rate of around 62%. LCO production surged 19% MoM and 55% YoY.

SMM's monthly production data for base metals is released at the end of each month, aiming to uncover the true fundamentals for industry chain professionals and investors, and providing a clearer grasp of the future direction of the metals market.

[Guangzhou to Suspend Auto "Trade-in" Subsidy Policy from 00:00 on August 30]

China's Lithium hydroxide output fell 13% MoM in August a rebound is expected in September.

This week, lithium hydroxide prices extended last week’s weakness, but the week-on-week decline was limited.

The lithium carbonate market continued its downward trend this week, with spot prices fluctuating downward overall.

SMM lithium ore prices fell sharply in tandem with the decline in lithium carbonate prices.