As the global competition in electric vehicle power batteries intensifies, Chinese battery giant CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.) has been unveiling its new generation of automotive power batteries. Notably, during the “2023 Chery Tech Day” event, multiple batteries from CATL were showcased, with a strong focus on their highly anticipated second-generation sodium-ion battery, which is poised to replace lithium-ion batteries as the next breakthrough in the electric vehicle industry.
According to a report by “mydrivers,” although several of CATL’s batteries were showcased during Chery’s event, including the Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery, Qilin Battery, and Sodium-ion batteries, it is evident that the Sodium-ion battery stole the spotlight. It is set to be the debut choice for Chery vehicles.
The report states that Sodium-ion batteries have garnered significant attention due to their cost-effectiveness, stable performance, resilience to low temperatures, excellent charge and discharge rates, and the ability to meet the energy density requirements for various applications, including two-wheeled electric vehicles, power tools, energy storage, and A00-grade electric vehicles. Sodium-ion batteries fully leverage their exceptional safety features. Additionally, the emphasis on Sodium-ion batteries is attributed to their abundant resource storage. Sodium mineral resources are incredibly cost-effective, with a cost of only 2 RMB per kilogram (equivalent to 0.31 USD).
CATL introduced the first-generation Sodium-ion battery in July 2021, featuring a single-cell energy density of 160 Wh/kg, marking the highest level for Sodium-ion batteries globally. It allows for an 80% charge within 15 minutes at room temperature and maintains over 90% of discharge capacity even in low-temperature environments as cold as -20°C.
The latest updates suggest that CATL is already in the process of developing the second-generation Sodium-ion battery. This new iteration is expected to boost energy density to 200 Wh/kg, approaching the energy density levels of mainstream lithium iron phosphate batteries, making it increasingly competitive in terms of safety, pricing, and low-temperature performance.
