Salt Instead of Lithium - The Cheap Battery is Coming - CATL to Revolutionize EV Market with Cheaper, Safer Sodium-Ion Batteries by 2026
Chinese battery titan CATL is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market by introducing sodium-ion batteries to the mass market by 2026. These batteries, which use common salt instead of lithium, promise to be cheaper, more sustainable, and safer than current lithium-ion batteries.
CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, has announced plans to start mass production of sodium-ion batteries in 2026. This new technology uses sodium, an abundant and inexpensive element, instead of lithium, which is relatively rare and has limited reserves. The switch to sodium-ion batteries could significantly reduce production costs and environmental impact.
Sodium-ion batteries offer several advantages over their lithium counterparts. They charge incredibly quickly, reaching 80% of their capacity in just 15 minutes. They also operate in a wide temperature range, from minus 40 degrees to plus 70 degrees Celsius, making them suitable for various climates. Moreover, sodium-ion batteries have an energy density similar to lithium-ion batteries, around 175 Wh/kg, ensuring they can power vehicles effectively. Additionally, these batteries are particularly safe, with a reduced risk of thermal runaway and fires compared to lithium-ion batteries.
CATL expects sodium-ion batteries to be used in 40 percent of all Chinese electric vehicles in the future. Once production ramps up, these batteries are expected to be more than 60% cheaper than lithium-ion cells, potentially reducing the entire battery pack cost by 30 to 50%. The shift to sodium-ion batteries could make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible, driving the transition to sustainable transportation.
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