- CATL revealed the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion batteries in China forward of the Shanghai Auto Present.
- The low-voltage and high-voltage sodium-ion batteries ship distinctive cold-weather efficiency by way of vary, charging speeds and energy output.
- They don’t seem to be as energy-dense as lithium-ion batteries however nonetheless have a number of essential benefits.
The battery world wasn’t bullish about sodium-ion EV batteries till high Chinese language battery firms went all in on the tech. Why trouble with a brand new chemistry when lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) are already powering hundreds of thousands of EVs, are consistently bettering, and are broadly obtainable?
On Monday, the world’s largest lithium-ion battery maker unveiled a brand new model referred to as Naxtra, devoted to producing each low- and high-voltage sodium-ion batteries. These will energy all the things from light-duty EVs to industrial vans in China. And CATL isn’t making modest claims. It says its sodium-ion batteries will cost at close to full speeds in temperatures as little as -40 levels Fahrenheit. That is chilly sufficient to the place Fahrenheit and Celsius are the identical quantity.
In response to the American Physics Society, sodium is 1,000 instances extra considerable than lithium and its environmental affect is way decrease. Till now, it’s lagged behind in vitality density, and lithium nonetheless enjoys a head begin because of a mature extraction and provide chain. Nonetheless, completely different chemistries go well with completely different use circumstances and sodium-ion could also be a great match for compact EVs, hybrids and excessive chilly. Because of its inherent temperature-resistant properties, the ions transfer freely even in Arctic temperatures.
Photograph by: CATL
CATL Sodium Ion EV Battery Torture Take a look at
CATL’s high-voltage sodium-ion battery will get an vitality density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram. That’s beneath the 200–300 Wh/kg vary typical of lithium-ion batteries, however it’s sufficient to ship 124 miles (200 km) of electrical vary in a PHEV and as much as 310 miles (500 km) in a pure EV. These estimates come from China’s testing cycle, which is often fairly beneficiant with vary. However these are respectable numbers for metropolis automobiles and micro-EVs gaining reputation around the globe.
Plus, CATL’s sodium-ion EV battery can cost from 30% to 80% in half-hour even in -22F (-30C) temps, whereas sustaining 93% usable capability. Typical EV batteries have decreased voltage at a decrease state of cost, however CATL claims its battery can keep driving speeds of 75 miles per hour even when 0% cost reveals on the sprint. That’s, till the battery fully drains out.
The corporate claims to have made big strides in security. It showcased completely different torture exams of a 62 kilowatt-hour pack in a testing chamber. In a single clip, an enormous press tried to crush the battery from completely different instructions. The pack clearly deformed however it didn’t explode. It additionally endured a nail penetration take a look at, a drill take a look at and a metallic noticed take a look at that ripped via the center of the pack—all with out going up in flames.
That’s simply the high-voltage battery. There’s additionally a low-voltage pack for vans that makes lead-acid batteries really feel historical. It revealed a 24-volt sodium-ion auxiliary battery for vans which additionally has related chilly climate properties because the high-voltage pack. “Say goodbye to the frustration of jump-starting your automobile after long-term storage with lead-acid batteries,” the corporate stated throughout the reveal.
Photograph by: CATL
CATL Sodium-Ion Low Voltage Battery
The low-voltage battery is claimed to work flawlessly even at -40 levels and in addition permits vehicle-to-load (V2L) performance, the place drivers can use the small pack to energy exterior home equipment. In the event that they wish to make a scorching cup of espresso whereas pulled over alongside a freeway in Northern China when it’s freezing outdoors, they will try this utilizing an influence outlet within the truck—after which drive away with out worrying whether or not the car will restart.
None of that is theoretical. These will not be conceptual batteries. CATL stated mass manufacturing of the high-voltage packs for EVs and PHEVs begins in June. And it’ll begin making the low-voltage pack in December.
Have a tip? Contact the writer: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
