CATL, the world’s largest lithium-ion battery maker, recently unveiled the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion batteries in China just ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show. These innovative batteries, both low-voltage and high-voltage, are designed to deliver exceptional performance in cold weather conditions, offering impressive range, charging speeds, and power output.
While sodium-ion batteries may not be as energy-dense as lithium-ion batteries, they come with several key advantages. One of the main reasons for the sudden interest in sodium-ion EV batteries is their environmental impact. Sodium is 1,000 times more abundant than lithium, making it a more sustainable option. Additionally, sodium-ion batteries have shown exceptional performance in extreme cold temperatures, making them ideal for use in compact EVs, hybrids, and other vehicles operating in harsh conditions.
CATL’s high-voltage sodium-ion battery boasts an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram, slightly lower than typical lithium-ion batteries. However, it still offers a respectable range of up to 310 miles (500 km) in a pure EV, making it a viable option for city cars and micro-EVs. The battery can also charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, even in temperatures as low as -22F (-30C), while maintaining 93% usable capacity.
In terms of safety, CATL has made significant advancements with its sodium-ion batteries. The company conducted various torture tests on a 62 kilowatt-hour pack, including crush tests, nail penetration tests, and drill tests, all of which the battery passed without exploding or catching fire. This highlights the robust safety features of CATL’s sodium-ion batteries.
In addition to the high-voltage battery, CATL also introduced a low-voltage sodium-ion battery for trucks. This auxiliary battery offers similar cold weather properties and allows for vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling drivers to power external appliances using the battery. Mass production of the high-voltage packs for EVs and PHEVs is set to begin in June, with production of the low-voltage pack scheduled to start in December.
Overall, CATL’s sodium-ion batteries represent a significant step forward in battery technology, offering a more sustainable and reliable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. With their impressive cold-weather performance and enhanced safety features, these batteries are poised to revolutionize the EV industry and pave the way for a greener future.