China’s Revolutionary Sodium-ion Battery EV Can Disrupt Lithium Power

Automaker from China, JAC Group and tech company HiNa Battery have collaborated together to develop first of its kind electric car powered by a sodium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in EVs, but they are expensive to produce due to the rising cost of lithium and other metals used in the making. On the other hand, Sodium-ion batteries are cheaper to produce because sodium is much more commonly found worldwide. Moreover, they are also safer for use and much more sustainable to produce compared to lithium-ion batteries. But one constraint pops up, i.e. they have a lower energy density, that makes them offer a lower range between charges.

JAC Group has presented the world’s first electric car powered by a sodium-ion battery. The Hua Xianzi is a compact hatchback and offers a range of more than 155 miles on a single charge. Volkswagen has also played a role in the development of the EV, and the 25 kWh battery is made by HiNa Battery Technologies. Enabling sodium-ion batteries feasible in larger vehicles could still be pose a challenge, as it may take a few more years for the technology to come up.

HiNa Battery has a history of developing sodium-ion batteries for buses, miniature vehicles, and home energy storage for the past 10 years. Last year, HiNA Battery built the world’s first facility for the mass production of sodium battery materials. The firm is now focused on electric vehicles and energy storage systems, improving battery designs to make the sodium-ion technologies more efficient. The sodium-ion batteries tend to not overheat or catch fire and present a better low-temperature performance, charging speed, and lengthy lifespan than lithium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries have been considered as a potential alternative that could push for reduction of EV production costs by 10%. This development of new battery technology will make EV pricing more competitive, and provide car buyers more access to newer energy-tech vehicles. The future of electric vehicles seems positive with the introduction of such affordable and sustainable battery technology. JAC Group havent yet revealed any plans for offering this vehicle to consumers in countries like South Africa. But the company is excited with the prospects of offering motorists a more attainable EV option.

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