Chery will be the first automaker to adopt sodium-ion batteries from CATL, the world leader in electric car batteries. The new technology promises to devalue electric vehicles, as the most expensive product to manufacture such a car is the battery.

Launched by CATL in July 2021, sodium-ion batteries offer a range of up to 400 kilometers for electric vehicles. The company has already started the industrialization scheme for sodium-ion batteries and plans to establish a basic industrial chain by 2023.

How do CATL sodium ion batteries work?

CATL Sodium Ion Batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquids, reducing the risk of leakage, overheating and explosion. The first generation of equipment can be charged up to 80% of capacity at room temperature in 15 minutes. At very low temperatures, this index can reach over 90%.

One of the advantages is that they can use cheaper and more abundant cathode materials than those used in lithium-ion batteries, which require expensive materials such as cobalt. Sodium is a much more abundant element, which means there may be fewer supply restrictions on the raw materials for making batteries.

For now, technology using sodium has a lower electrical charge efficiency. While the energy density of 160 Wh/Kg is not as high as current electric vehicle batteries in Tesla cars, which exceed 250 Wh/kg, the sodium ion battery is under development and CATL promises to improve this index.

Bets from other automakers

Automakers like Renault's Chinese subsidiary are betting on the use of sodium for electric car batteries.  (Source: JMEV/Disclosure)

CATL’s sodium-ion battery should initially be used in two-wheeled vehicles, but the technology needs to be developed for electric cars as well, especially since such equipment is less costly for automakers.

JAC is betting on a similar prototype manufactured by Hina Battery, with a capacity of 25 Wkh, an energy density of 120 Wh/kg and a range of 252 km on a single charge. Renault is also investing in the sodium-ion battery through its Chinese subsidiary Jiangling Motors Electric Vehicle (JMEV).

Source: Tec Mundo

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I'm Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I've written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.

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