Sodium-ion batteries are gaining popularity as they stand to be the possible replacement for Lithium-ion batteries. There are some reasons why Sodium-ion is a better option than the currently existing and popular battery type. Let’s take a look at the reason behind the possible switch from Lithium-ion batteries.
Some reasons behind the possible change in battery type are the availability, affordability, and safety of the Sodium counterpart. This is unlike the existing Lithium-ion batteries that are expensive and scarce to source in the industry. Research is currently on to help develop a more fully functional Sodium-ion battery for global adoption.
Read also: CATL new electric vehicle battery boasts a 1,000-kilometre range.
Once available, this new battery type will increase its presence in the EV market to ease the scarcity of Lithium-ion batteries. Already, CATL has a fully working Sodium-ion battery with a single cell energy density of 160Wh/kg. This battery became available during the CATL launch event last year in the month of August.
The second generation of CATL’s Sodium-ion batteries is on the way, and their success might alter the market’s dependency on its Lithium-ion counterparts. We understand that the energy density on this second-generation battery will step up to 200Wh/kg, an improvement from what is currently available. As global adoption improves, both battery types will exist side-by-side, and the choice of which to depend on will rest more on manufacturers.
