Before solid-state technology, these batteries will revolutionize the electric and hybrid car market by 2026
We have been talking for many years about solid-state batteries as the great solution to the problems of electric cars. But while their development and, above all, their large-scale production is not progressing, one technology may soon prevail: sodium batteries.
As the development of electric cars advances, so does the development of batteries in parallel. And it is equally important work, as it is the most expensive component in a vehicle of these characteristics. Whether researchers can achieve smaller batteries, with high energy densities and lower prices will depend on making electric cars more affordable.
While the promising solid-state battery technology is not yet here, alternatives that are more efficient and environmentally friendly than the current lithium ones are being sought. And although solid-state batteries are not expected to arrive en masse until the next decade, sodium-ion batteries could become a reality very soon.
In fact, the battery giant CATL presented this year the first mass-produced sodium battery. It is the second generation of its battery and, although it can be applied in different fields, it already promises more than 500 kilometers of range for future electric cars.
Sodium-ion batteries, on the rise
According to experts, this type of battery could start being used in large-scale applications as early as 2026, although it is still expected to make a real mark in the market within three years.
It is an emerging technology, which is at a turning point. For academics in China, the main benchmark for batteries worldwide, these batteries should be seen as an addition to the current lithium ones, not as replacements. They may replace the current lead-acid ones, but they still have a long way to go.
Nevertheless, the aspirations are high and the potential uses will make them a very popular battery in the coming years. Their advantages are already known: high output power, high safety, great performance at low temperatures (stable operation between -40°C and 45°C), faster charging and discharging, more sustainable production, materials with greater presence in the environment, and very importantly, reduced costs.
What is their major disadvantage? For now, they have a lower energy density than current lithium-ion batteries, as well as offering lower performance in comparison. However, the gap is closing. CATL's proposal already has an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, bringing it much closer to the current LFP batteries, the cheapest options among lithium-ion batteries.
Sodium-ion batteries are seen as very interesting options for sectors with high power and current demand, such as uninterruptible power supply systems, hybrid cars, commercial vehicles, mining, agricultural or construction machinery, or low-power electric vehicles.
It is expected that the costs of these batteries will be halved in about 3-4 years, thus equating them to current LFP. The Chinese government already considers this technology as a “priority direction” in the coming years, with new regulations for its standardization. Sodium batteries are entering a decisive phase of their commercialization, and we will follow them closely.
Fuente: CarNewsChina
