CATL, the Chinese battery maker, announced on April 16 that Chery Auto would be the first automaker to use mass-produced sodium-ion batteries in their electric vehicles. Chery Auto held a separate press conference at a different location to launch their new iCar brand and also revealed that CATL's first sodium-ion battery would power their upcoming EV models.
In July 2021, CATL introduced its sodium-ion batteries which have an energy density of 160Wh/kg. Although slightly lower than LFP batteries, these batteries offer advantages such as lower manufacturing cost, better performance in low temperatures, and improved safety. CATL also revealed that they plan to produce next-generation sodium-ion batteries with an energy density exceeding 200Wh/kg, which will be available for mass production in 2023.
Here is a brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages of sodium-ion batteries.
Benefits:
- Safer than lithium batteries
- Better ability to withstand cold temperatures
- Slower discharge rate
- Cheaper to produce
- Better for the environment
Disadvantages:
- Slower charge rate
- Lower attainable voltage
- Lower energy density
In present times, it appears reasonable to use sodium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, but this was not as apparent in 2021. CATL, too, predicted that these batteries would mainly serve energy storage and two-wheeled scooters. Some analysts in China even suggested that the CATL sodium-ion battery project was a tactic to create pressure on lithium suppliers.
The progress in developing sodium-ion batteries exceeded expectations. The increasing cost of lithium in 2022 made it clear that using sodium-ion batteries in electric vehicles was inevitable. CATL announced in November 2022 that their sodium-ion batteries are expected to be used to power electric vehicles.
CATL has not disclosed the customer for their sodium-ion batteries nor provided an update on the progress of transitioning from prototype to mass production since their 2021 launch event. However, after nearly two years, they have finally released new information.
At the conference, Chery also announced they would launch a new battery brand with CATL, called ENER-Q.
According to SNE research, CATL is currently the world's largest battery maker with a 37% global market share in 2022. LG and BYD follow closely with 13.6% each. CATL supplies batteries to many EV manufacturers including Tesla, Volkswagen, Nissan, Nio, and Tata. Additionally, the new Ford battery plant in the US will use CATL batteries.
Source: Carnewschina
