China’s battery giant CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Company) has unveiled its latest breakthrough technology- a first-generation sodium-ion battery that can outperform the widely used lithium battery in fast charging and low-temperature performance.
Related: Toyota Set to Launch its Solid State Battery in 2021
According to information, the sodium-ion battery has a capacity retention rate of more than 90% in a low-temperature environment of -20C and, the battery can be charged to 80% of its full capacity within 15 minutes at room temperature. Such a speed is almost as little time as it takes to fill up the tank of a gasoline-powered car.
The energy density of CATL’s sodium-ion battery cell can reach up to 160 watt-hours per kilogram, which is currently the highest level in the world, said Huang Qisen, deputy dean of the CATL Research Institute. According to company, the next generation of sodium-ion batteries’ energy density development target is to exceed 200 watt-hours per kilogram. CATL plans to form a basic industry chain by 2023.
Related: Toyota Snatches World Hydrogen Distance Record from Hyundai
However according to Zhang Xiang, an auto industry analyst who, while talking to Global Times revealed that sodium-ion batteries are still in the laboratory stage, and many uncertainties remain. For instance, the current energy density of the battery does not meet the standards for China’s NEV subsidy policy. He went on to add:
“What’s more, sodium-ion batteries only have a maximum of 1,500 cycles, which is less than the 6,000 cycles offered by lithium iron phosphate technology or the 3,000 cycles of ternary lithium batteries which means sodium-ion batteries have a much shorter life span. Meanwhile, the energy density of sodium ions is 20-50% lower than that of lithium because sodium is less volatile than lithium, which at the same time means that sodium is safer than lithium.”
Sodium is the 6th most common element on earth with abundant resources, which means that the cost of sodium-ion batteries will be lower that of lithium-ion batteries. Analysts said that while China has abundant lithium resources, but they are of poor quality. At present, 80% of the power battery lithium is imported, and this can easily be restricted by foreign countries, while sodium does not have that problem.
CATL Sodium-Ion Battery Launch
“Overall, despite having slightly lower energy density than the current lithium batteries, our first-generation sodium-ion batteries have outstanding advantages in low temperature performance and charging speed, especially in high power application and alpine region application scenarios,” Huang said.
From: Global Times
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
