sodium batteries arrive in China before the end of the year

The Shanghai exhibition was logically placed under the symbol of the electric car. A lot of advanced design for power, technology and performance. But on the other end of the spectrum, there is also a lot of activity in entry-level cars. In this case, it is not the performance that wins, but the price.

Naturally, batteries play an important role. Therefore, Chinese manufacturers are preparing to sell chemistry less effective than LFP, but above all cheaper. Compared to the Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries that are already equipped in many Chinese vehicles, Sodium-Ion batteries have a lower energy density, since we are talking here about 160 Wh/kg, against more than 200 Wh/kg. On the other hand, they have other advantages, including low sensitivity to low temperatures, the same security (still against LFPs) and charging that can be faster. But the main point remains the cost. We are talking here about a drop of around 20%. The technology is not entirely new, but its development now makes it a reliable alternative in some vehicles.

Especially small cars

These new batteries were definitely on display. In CATL first, which confirms that its first customer will be Chery. The manufacturer confirms that it will use them in its new iCar brand before the end of the year, and they will also be available in its QQ family city cars. Because it is mainly on the small car market that this technology is right.

Various manufacturers can now easily fit 30 to 40 kWh batteries in A-segment vehicles, or even up to 50 to 60 kWh in B-segment vehicles. For the same amount, even at lower densities, Sodium-Ion can provide 25 easily. up to 50 kWh of capacity. This makes it possible to target a range from 200 km that meets the daily use of these small cars. But at a low price.

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A new advantage for BYD?

Therefore, other manufacturers have confirmed the launch of vehicles using Sodium-Ion batteries before the end of the year: JMEV on the EV3, JAC on… the EV3 (same name, different car). But the most expected on the subject is clearly BYD. The LFP battery champion with his Blades, has been expected for months on Sodium-Ion, but he has not yet confirmed anything … His little Seagull was announced from 78,800 RMB (10,360 €), with a 30 kWh LFP battery. .

The Sodium-Ion battery offer could be cheaper… Even with doubling the price of the trip to Europe, the offer will be more competitive… However, it is said that BYD would prepare a hybrid battery offer: the cell part in Sodium-Ion, another in LFP. Something to balance the characteristics between capacity, cold tolerance, charging power, etc.

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