The Chinese battery manufacturer has achieved a new breakthrough with its sodium-ion battery.
As the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL $3750 (-10,56 %) announced this week that it has achieved an energy density of 175 Wh/kg in the development of its sodium-ion battery "Sodium New Power Battery". This means that electric cars could theoretically achieve a purely electric range of over 500 kilometers - depending on the vehicle type and driving conditions. According to CATL, the new battery is set to go into series production as early as next year.
Many have high hopes for sodium-ion batteries: Although they have a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries, they are more powerful at low temperatures, are considered safer and have a lower impact on the environment. According to CATL, this technology could also make electromobility more important in colder regions of the world.
The company estimates that the new batteries could cover up to 40 percent of demand in the Chinese passenger car market. The new batteries are also compatible with the standard No. 20 and No. 25 battery modules, which makes it easier to install them in different vehicle platforms - without car manufacturers having to significantly adapt their designs.
CATL announced the world's first large-scale series production of sodium-ion batteries back in April of this year. The first products include the "Sodium New Power Battery" for electric cars and the "Sodium New 24V Integrated Starter Battery" for heavy commercial vehicles. Both battery types are designed for use in a temperature range from -40 °C to +70 °C.
CATL considers the technology to be ready for widespread use and sees sodium-ion batteries as a promising alternative to existing lithium-ion technology.
