BYD and CATL have announced that they will switch to sodium-ion batteries for their electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023.
However, to test things out, they will first use these new batteries with lithium-ion ones for a “hybrid battery” system.
CATL has confirmed that Chery, besides BYD, will be among the first few adopters of this new technology. However, CATL has not released details stating what new electric vehicle will carry the latest technology.
On the other hand, BYD is set to release the new sodium-ion battery technology with the BYD Seagull, which is an electric vehicle that debuted at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.
What are the advantages of sodium-ion batteries?
Sodium-ion batteries can be game-changers for the EV market as they are cheaper to manufacture, more durable and safer compared to their lithium-ion counterpart.
Compared to lithium, sodium is also more abundant, so it can also be extracted and purified at a much lower cost. Sodium-ion battery cells are about 20 to 40 percent cheaper than their lithium counterparts.
Sodium-ion battery packs are also less likely to catch on fire and are less sensitive to changes in temperature, making them safe and ideal for use in electric vehicles.
What does this mean for EVs?
Thanks to sodium-ion battery technology, we could soon see cheaper EVs hit the market.
The new battery technology will also be instrumental in transportation as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources.
Aside from this, the new battery technology will reduce the fire risk that electric vehicles currently pose with their lithium-ion battery packs, thus making them safer.
While sodium-ion batteries’ driving range is similar to lithium-ion ones, we could soon see the new technology evolve further to give us faster charging times and longer travel distances.
What do you think about this innovation in EV technology?
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Source: Cheaper EVs ahead! BYD to switch to sodium-ion batteries