Battery supplier CATL introduced sodium-ion batteries on Thursday, which, according to the company, offer faster charging and greater thermal stability than the chemistry of conventional lithium-ion batteries.
A sodium-ion battery cell can be charged to 80% in 15 minutes at room temperature, CATL said in a press release. It also has a capacity retention rate of over 90% at -4 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the company.
The initial version has a power of 160 watt-hours per kilogram, but CATL stated that it aims for 200 Wh/kg with a next-generation version currently in development.
CATL claims that its sodium-ion batteries are commercially viable because they address previous material issues. The cathode uses modified Prussian blue material by rearranging electrons, solving a previous issue of rapid capacity fading after the material cycle. The anode is made of a hard carbon material, which is porous, allowing for greater storage and rapid movement of sodium ions, the company claims.
CATL also asserts that its sodium-ion cells can be used alongside lithium-ion cells within the same battery pack. Being able to mix battery chemicals as needed could better assist automakers (and battery manufacturers) in adapting to supply shortages.
This new chemistry also provides automakers with an alternative to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells to free up nickel-dense cells. Tesla has started using LFP cells in some electric cars in the Chinese market, attempting to save nickel-based cells for applications like the Semi.
Sodium is also a key ingredient in some solid-state chemistries, such as glass electrolyte cells championed by lithium-ion pioneer John Goodenough.
CATL’s sodium-ion chemistry also seems to be ready for prime time now, which is not something we can say about low-cost iron-air batteries that could be part of the future of home networks.
