What is sodium ion battery technology?

Sodium-ion battery technology is one new technology to emerge. In terms of an electric vehicle battery, sodium beats lithium on availability and cost. Performance has been the challenge, with one hurdle being weight. Sodium and lithium are atomic neighbors, but the atomic weight of sodium is 3.3 times that of lithium.

Could a switch to sodium-ion batteries make China more control over battery manufacturing?

The New York Times says a switchover to sodium-ion batteries may make China’s control over battery manufacturing even greater. Of the 20 sodium battery factories now planned or already under construction around the world, 16 are in China, according to Benchmark Minerals, a consulting firm.

Where are sodium batteries made?

Of the 20 sodium battery factories now planned or already under construction around the world, 16 are in China, according to Benchmark Minerals, a consulting firm. In two years, China will have nearly 95 percent of the world’s capacity to make sodium batteries.

Will a sodium ion battery launch in 2025?

Sodium batteries have a lower incidence of battery fires than conventional lithium batteries. The official energy density of the new sodium-ion battery has not been reported — however, CATL said it aims to exceed 200Wh/kg. Although the battery should launch in 2025, mass production is unlikely until 2027.

Will sodium ion batteries reach 150 watts per kilogram by 2025?

Projections from BNEF suggest that sodium-ion batteries could reach pack densities of nearly 150 watt-hours per kilogram by 2025. And some battery giants and automakers in China think the technology is already good enough for prime time.

Is CATL the only battery manufacturer developing sodium ion batteries?

CATL is not the only battery manufacturer developing sodium-ion batteries. In January, its rival BYD, the second-largest battery manufacturer in the world started construction of a sodium-ion factory with an annual production capacity of 30 GWh.