Sodium-Ion: A promising successor to lithium in battery technology Sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries operate on the same basic electrochemical principles, with sodium replacing lithium. Despite requiring different materials, their core chemistries remain broadly similar, says Shazan Siddiqi, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. The cathode marks the most notable point of divergence between sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries. While lithium technologies rely on NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) and LFP (lithium iron phosphate), sodium-based alternatives are actively under development. According to the latest IDTechEx report, Sodium-ion Batteries 2025–2035: Technology, Players, Markets, and Forecasts, three cathode types are emerging: transition metal oxides (analogous to NMC), polyanions (akin to LFP), and Prussian blue analogues – a chemistry that is unique to sodium-ion. Different performance characteristics Transition metal oxides and Prussian blue analogues are particularly promising cathode candidates, valued for their low cost and avoidance of rare earth elements. Transition metal oxides – typically comprising sodium, oxygen, nickel, iron, and manganese – omit cobalt entirely, addressing the sustainability concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries. Prussian blue analogues, which are distinctive for their rhombohedral structure, are composed solely of sodium, iron, carbon, and nitrogen, making them a chemistry unique to sodium-ion technology. On the anode and electrolyte front, sodium-ion batteries are largely similar to lithium-ion. Hard carbon anodes, used in earlier lithium-ion generations, are the preferred choice since sodium-ions are too large to intercalate into graphite. Electrolytes consist of similar salts and solvents, with sodium replacing lithium, such as NaPF6 in a carbonate solvent. Comparing the performance characteristics reveals the general strengths and limitations of each battery chemistry. While the energy density of sodium-ion batteries remains lower than that of high-energy lithium-ion cells using nickel, it is approaching that of high-power lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Cycle life is reasonable in certain configurations. Not shown in the image, however, is one of sodium-ion’s notable advantages: high power output, with reports of around 1000 W/kg – exceeding that of NMC (approximately 340–420 W/kg) and LFP (around 175–425 W/kg) cells. Sodium-ion batteries also perform better at low temperatures. Cost competitiveness in a changing market A primary advantage of sodium-ion batteries is their potential for lower costs compared to lithium-ion technologies. At scale, a sodium-ion battery featuring a layered metal oxide cathode and a hard carbon anode is expected to have material costs approximately 25-30% lower than a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This cost reduction is primarily driven by the substitution of lithium and copper with more affordable sodium and aluminum, which offers around a 12% reduction in cost, largely due to the use of aluminum as the current collector. A primary advantage of sodium-ion batteries is their potential for lower costs compared to lithium-ion technologies. At scale, a sodium-ion battery featuring a layered metal oxide cathode and a hard carbon anode is expected to have material costs approximately 25–30 % lower than a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This cost reduction is primarily driven by the substitution of lithium and copper with more affordable sodium and aluminum - offering around a 12 % saving, largely due to the use of aluminum as the current collector. Engineering breakthroughs will be key The future of sodium-ion batteries and their ability to undercut lithium-ion on price remains an area of significant debate. While the cost of lithium-ion batteries continues to decline, the timeline for when sodium-ion technology could match or beat these prices is still speculative. IDTechEx finds that engineering breakthroughs, rather than simply scaling production, will be key in driving down sodium-ion costs https://www.pveurope.eu/energy-storage/sodium-ion-promising-successor-lithium-battery-technology
Formula 1 technology drives Mercedes’ solid-state battery innovation Mercedes-Benz has successfully developed a solid-state battery prototype, potentially revolutionizing EV range and performance. Engineers from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and the Mercedes Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems have collaborated to create an innovative battery system that promises significant advancements in electric mobility. The prototype battery was integrated into a modified EQS electric vehicle at the end of 2024. Initial laboratory tests conducted in Stuttgart paved the way for road tests that commenced in February 2025. Solid-state batteries represent a promising technological leap, utilizing a solid electrolyte instead of traditional liquid alternatives. This approach enhances cell safety and enables the use of advanced anodes like lithium metal, substantially improving performance compared to conventional lithium-ion cells. The new battery technology offers improvements in energy density, potentially increasing gravimetric energy density up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level. This advancement translates to practical benefits for EVs, including extended driving range and reduced battery weight. Mercedes-Benz’s development vehicle, equipped with the solid-state battery, is expected to achieve over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of range – quite an improvement over current EV capabilities. By comparison, the existing EQS 450+ model already offers a range of more than 800 kilometers with its 118 kWh battery. The collaboration began in 2021 when Mercedes-Benz partnered with Factorial to develop next-generation battery technology. In summer 2024, Factorial delivered lithium-metal solid-state battery cells using their proprietary FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) platform – the first such shipment to a global OEM. This demonstrates the potential of transferring high-performance technologies from competitive racing environments, like Formula 1, into practical automotive applications. https://www.electrichybridvehiclete...-mercedes-solid-state-battery-innovation.html
"To market to market, to market they goes...When they arrive (on the streets), nobody knows"!! PS If these breakthroughs are so great...Wouldn't it transfer to the power wall industry as well??
https://flip.it/xKYTlr China’s $10 EV Battery Could Upend the US Auto Market By Brian Iselin UPDATED: May 22, 2025 10:15 AM EDT China’s breakthrough sodium-ion battery — priced at $10/kWh (Bloomberg NEF, 2025) — is a technical marvel. It’s a direct challenge to America’s lithium-dependent auto industry. For context, today’s cheapest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries cost $75/kWh, while Tesla’s 4680 cells hover near $100/kWh. At one-tenth the price, sodium-ion tech could make budget EVs like the $25,000 Tesla Model 2 financially viable overnight. American potential EV buyers hesitant because of cost will be comforted by this. When it comes. How China’s Battery Factories Are Rewriting the Rules Chinese engineers at CATL (the world’s largest EV battery maker) have begun mass-producing sodium-ion cells at their new 30GWh facility in Fujian province, with plans to supply automakers like Chery and BYD by late 2025. This isn’t lab hype: CATL’s first-gen sodium batteries already power 250,000 urban delivery vans across China, offering 120-160Wh/kg energy density. For cars, more needs to be done about range. But a 10,000 life cycle, to Tesla’s 1500, lifespan speaks volumes. Best for grid storage and city cars, the economics are transformative. Sodium-ion production costs 70% less than lithium packs because of: Abundant materials: Sodium carbonate costs $200/ton vs. lithium carbonate’s $15,000/ton (2025 prices) Simplified mining: Extractable from seawater or Wyoming’s Green River Basin (90% of global reserves) No cobalt/nickel: Skips conflict minerals tied to Congo’s mines Extortion free: Cannot be held to ransom by anyone on lithium supply. Implication for US Buyers: If adopted domestically, sodium batteries could slash entry-level EV prices by $8,000–$12,000, making models like the Chevrolet Bolt 2.0 or Ford E-Transit van accessible to millions. Detroit’s Lithium Trap: GM’s V8 Mistake Reborn America’s automakers are repeating history. Just as GM clung to gas-guzzling V8s during the 1970s oil crisis, today’s EV strategies rely entirely on lithium—a mineral with 1,400% price volatility since 2020. If lithium supplies tighten again (e.g., Bolivia nationalizes reserves or Australia’s mines strike), the fallout would be catastrophic: EV price spikes: A $100/kWh lithium battery adds $6,500 to a 65kWh pack Production halts: Ford’s $3.5B Michigan plant depends on Chilean lithium Geopolitical blackmail: China controls 65% of lithium refining (according to the U.S. Geological Survey) Sodium-ion batteries offer an escape hatch. According to statements by CATL executives, the company can switch chemistries like changing shoes—lithium today, sodium tomorrow. US automakers, shackled by IRA domestic sourcing rules, lack this flexibility. That must change. And fast. The US Roadmap: Catch-Up or Collapse? BloombergNEF predicts sodium-ion will capture 12% of the global storage market by 2030, but China’s head start is alarming. While the US has its first sodium battery factory (Natron Energy’s Michigan plant), its 600MWh annual output is a fraction of CATL’s 30GWh. What Washington Must Do: Fast-track permits for sodium carbonate mining (Wyoming holds 47B tons) Expand IRA tax credits to include sodium-ion R&D Mandate dual-chemistry EVs by 2030 Without these steps, America risks ceding the next-gen EV race to Chinese automakers already testing 310-mile sodium-powered sedans. Final Word: Your Next EV Might Run on Salt The $10 battery isn’t really about the chemistry. It’s really a story about survival. For US buyers, sodium-ion could mean affordable EVs immune to lithium’s rollercoaster. For Detroit, it’s a wake-up call: innovate or watch your factories become relics, like Flint’s shuttered V8 plants. The question isn’t whether sodium batteries will disrupt the market, but whether America will lead, or follow, this salty revolution.
https://flip.it/z28s70 CATL unveils revolutionary dual-chemistry batteries with up to 932 miles of range by Laurence Jardin3 days ago The race for longer-range electric vehicles just got a lot more interesting. CATL, the world’s leading EV battery manufacturer, has revealed groundbreaking battery technology that combines two different cell chemistries in a single pack. These new “Freevoy Dual-Power” batteries promise to deliver extraordinary range capabilities—up to 932 miles on a single charge. (I’ll admit, that’s farther than I’ve ever driven without stopping for snacks.) This announcement comes as the Chinese battery giant is raising approximately $5.3 billion through a Hong Kong stock listing, further cementing its position at the forefront of battery innovation. Table of Contents How dual-chemistry batteries work Benefits beyond just longer range Three flavors for different needs The future of electric mobility How dual-chemistry batteries work Unlike conventional batteries that use a single chemistry throughout, these innovative power packs feature two distinct energy zones. The “main zone” can utilize various cell chemistries tailored to specific driving habits and needs. This works alongside a secondary LFP (lithium iron phosphate) accumulator that acts as a range extender for long journeys. What makes this secondary battery special is its self-forming anode—a proprietary CATL technology that dramatically improves energy density by 50% by mass and 60% by volume. The result? A total energy density exceeding 1,000 Wh/l (watt-hours per liter). For context, standard LFP batteries typically offer around 384 Wh/l, while NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) batteries reach about 500 Wh/l. This means Freevoy Dual-Power packs significantly more energy into the same battery volume—a game-changer for vehicle design and range capabilities. Benefits beyond just longer range This dual-power approach creates two independent energy zones within a single battery pack, effectively doubling various functions: high and low voltage capabilities, structural integrity, thermal management, and protection against thermal runaway. The result is more stable and reliable power delivery—perfect for supporting Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous driving systems that require substantial energy for their numerous sensors and power-hungry computing hardware. Three flavors for different needs CATL has developed three distinct dual-chemistry configurations, each addressing different usage scenarios: Sodium-ion/LFP combination: Pairs a Naxtra sodium-ion main battery with an LFP battery featuring a self-forming anode. This setup leverages sodium-ion’s exceptional cold-weather performance—maintaining 90% capacity even at -40°F—while ensuring extended range. The Naxtra technology also boasts an impressive 10,000-cycle lifespan (compared to around 4,000 cycles for typical lithium-ion batteries) and energy density of 175 Wh/kg. LFP/LFP combination: Combines a self-forming anode LFP battery with CATL’s ultra-fast-charging Shanxing LFP battery. This configuration promises 0-80% charging in just 15 minutes, with a range of approximately 621 miles for sedans with 118-inch wheelbases. NMC-LFP/NMC-NMC combination: Features either an NMC main battery paired with a self-forming anode LFP battery, or an enhanced version with both batteries using NMC chemistry and self-forming anodes. This premium setup can deliver over 1 megawatt of power and maintain above 600 kW even when charge drops to 20%. For sedans with 118-inch wheelbases, capacity exceeds 180 kWh, breaking the 932-mile range barrier. (That’s like driving from New York to Chicago without stopping to charge!) The future of electric mobility By mixing and matching battery chemistries, CATL’s dual-power technology promises to adapt to virtually any use case, with customized performance based on vehicle segment and price point. The company aims to see this technology in production vehicles by 2027-2028. And it’s not just for cars—CATL plans to offer these dual-chemistry power solutions across the broader transportation sector, including electric buses, commercial trucks, aircraft, and marine vessels. With energy density figures that seemed impossible just a few years ago and ranges approaching 1,000 miles, these batteries could finally eliminate the last major barrier to widespread EV adoption—range anxiety. Are we witnessing the beginning of the end for internal combustion engines? The answer seems increasingly clear. © 2025 by Actu Moteur .fr