“The massive-scale substitute of lithium batteries with sodium-ion batteries in particular purposes is the start line of a broader vitality transition. If we wish true useful resource and vitality independence, our aim is to massively promote sodium-ion batteries,” Gao Huan, Chief Know-how Officer of CATL, mentioned lately in a media interview.
Sodium-ion batteries have develop into a sizzling matter within the battery business following CATL’s launch of its Tianxing II Mild Business Car (LCV) answer, whose low-temperature model marks the primary mass-produced sodium-ion battery deployed within the gentle business car phase.
CATL beforehand unveiled its sodium-ion battery model, Naxtra Battery, in April final yr. Nevertheless, the appliance in gentle business autos represents the expertise’s first true large-scale commercialization, broadly seen by the business as a milestone signaling accelerated market adoption.
Capital markets reacted swiftly. On the second buying and selling day after CATL introduced the in-vehicle deployment of sodium-ion batteries, the sodium battery sector index (BK0988) surged 3.32%, closing at its highest degree since Might 2021. For the reason that launch of the Naxtra model, the index has gained 62% cumulatively.
A number of listed firms have additionally disclosed progress in sodium-ion battery-related companies. On January 27, United Winners Laser acknowledged that its merchandise can be utilized in sodium-ion battery manufacturing, whereas Huayang Group confirmed cooperation with HiNa Battery on the industrialization of cathode and anode supplies in addition to battery cells.
Gao famous that sodium-ion batteries have clear strengths and weaknesses in contrast with lithium batteries. Benefits embody considerable useful resource availability, superior low-temperature efficiency, larger security, and minimal temperature rise throughout high-rate charging. Nevertheless, present challenges stay in industrialization prices, provide chain maturity, and vitality density, which nonetheless lag behind lithium batteries.
Regardless of these limitations, Gao emphasised that sodium-ion batteries are nonetheless within the early levels of improvement and will comply with a trajectory much like — and even steeper than — lithium batteries. CATL plans that inside three years, sodium-ion batteries will obtain comparable price effectivity and vitality density to lithium batteries.
CATL believes early-stage technological breakthroughs should be validated in real-world eventualities. The Tianxing II LCV low-temperature model, designed for chilly areas and suitable with small vans and light-weight vehicles, retains over 92% vitality capability at −20°C, in contrast with roughly 80% for lithium batteries, and stays plug-and-charge succesful even at −30°C.
Past business autos, broader sodium-ion battery purposes are anticipated to roll out this yr. At its provider convention late final yr, CATL acknowledged that by 2026, sodium-ion batteries will likely be deployed at scale throughout battery swapping, passenger autos, business autos, and vitality storage, forming a dual-track sodium–lithium technique.
Notably, the Aion UT Tremendous, collectively launched by JD.com, GAC Group, and CATL, is predicted to introduce a sodium-ion battery model, with mass manufacturing slated for the second quarter of this yr.
In line with Chebaihui Analysis Institute, sodium-ion battery shipments throughout automotive and non-automotive purposes may exceed 100 GWh by 2030. Morgan Stanley forecasts that as provide chain capability expands over the subsequent three years, price reductions will speed up. As soon as capability reaches 100 GWh, sodium-ion batteries may very well be priced greater than 30% decrease than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Supply: Yicai
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