Tech
This new battery could further power electric cars, shifting away from lithium
Sodium is emerging as an alternative to lithium in the development of more sustainable batteries.
When we think of electric cars, one of the first things that comes to mind is their huge batteries. As in many of the electric devices we use every day, lithium is a key element in these vehicles. However, its extraction and use are not entirely sustainable, especially considering its life cycle. Against this backdrop, innovation has led to considering other elements for the manufacture of batteries, and one of them is sodium.
A Chinese company, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), has been working on the development of various batteries for electric vehicles and, in 2021, introduced a sodium-based battery. Over time, this technology has evolved and is now presented under the name Naxtra. This new battery offers an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, almost equivalent to an LFP (lithium-ferrophosphate) battery.
CATL said that its sodium cell is ready for commercialization after being tested under extreme conditions, such as extremely low temperatures and fires. According to its executives, Naxtra showed no loss of performance even after being placed in a chamber at -40 degrees Celsius.
But how does this translate into real life? It is estimated that Naxtra can offer a range of 124 miles in hybrid vehicles and up to 310 miles in all-electric vehicles (EVs).
Why is sodium important for electric car batteries?
One of the main benefits of sodium is that, unlike other materials used in batteries, it is a cheap and abundant element. In addition, its more stable chemistry helps to significantly reduce the risk of fires, one of the most sensitive problems in today’s electric vehicles. Will this be enough for us to soon see the use of sodium in electric vehicles?
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!