Electric Car with Sodium-Ion Battery Hits the Road
In a pioneering move, the first electric car featuring a novel sodium-ion battery will begin deliveries in January.
Jordan Taylor
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 11:11 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - The automotive industry takes a significant leap forward with the introduction of the JAC Yiwei EV, the first electric car equipped with a sodium-ion battery. Just off the production line in China, this vehicle represents a collaborative effort by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC), a company jointly owned by Volkswagen and the Chinese government. With deliveries starting in January, the JAC Yiwei EV enters the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market with a unique proposition, sporting a 25 kWh HiNa battery with an energy density of 120 Wh/kg. Although the energy density is less than half that of typical lithium-ion batteries currently in use, the vehicle boasts an impressive range of 252 km on a single charge.
The Sodium-Ion Advantage
Sodium-ion batteries stand out for using common table salt, an abundant and accessible material, as opposed to rare lithium. This breakthrough comes on the heels of a recent study by Swedish scientists at Chalmers University of Technology, who outlined multiple benefits of such "salt" batteries. Their advantages include lower cost, reduced reliance on lithium – a material with controversial mining practices – and improved durability in cold weather. Despite these benefits, sodium-ion batteries do present a lower energy density compared to their lithium-ion and other counterparts.
Affordability and Sustainability
Setting a new precedent in affordability for eco-friendly transportation, the JAC Yiwei EV is priced competitively at 10,860 euros. This pricing strategy may significantly lower the barrier to entry for potential electric vehicle consumers, while simultaneously promoting the adoption of more sustainable technology in transportation. The introduction of sodium-ion battery technology by JAC could potentially trigger a wider application of this affordable and environmentally friendly alternative in future electric vehicles. Industry observers are keenly watching these developments, as the success of the JAC Yiwei EV could chart a new course for the electric vehicle sector.
The JAC Yiwei EV, combining cost-effectiveness with the environmental appeal of sodium-ion batteries, marks a potential shift in the future of electric vehicle technology. As deliveries commence in the new year, consumers and industry experts alike anticipate the real-world performance of this innovative vehicle and its contribution to the diversification of the electric vehicle market.
