World’s first sodium-ion battery vehicle
April 2023
Electrical Power & Protection
The JAC Group’s joint venture with Volkswagen in China has made history by introducing the world’s first electric vehicle (EV) powered by a sodium-ion battery. This milestone could be a game-changer for the electric vehicle industry, as sodium-ion batteries offer a cheaper alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium prices surged last year, creating huge cost pressures in producing lithium-ion batteries. However, sodium-ion batteries offer better cost performance and deliver excellent cycle performance, making them a good alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
The five-seat passenger vehicle, called Hua Xianzi (flower fairy), is fitted with a 25 kWh Na-ion battery from HiNa Battery Technologies that can travel up to 250 kilometres on a single charge. The Beijing based high-tech company is affiliated with the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is involved in developing and commercialising sodium-ion batteries and aims to expand the new battery technology to other EV platforms, including buses, trucks and scooters.
While sodium-ion batteries have a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries, they have other advantages, such as better low temperature performance and charging speed, a longer lifespan, and they can be recharged more times without degradation. They are also less prone to overheating and other safety issues, making them a safer option for large-scale energy storage.
Cheaper raw materials are used in the manufacturing process of sodium-ion batteries. The scarcity and cost of lithium have been a challenge in the battery industry, with companies worldwide spending years looking for suitable alternatives. Sodium-ion battery technology has emerged as one of the most promising contenders. HiNa Battery Technology says that this breakthrough could help reduce EV production costs by 10%.
The sodium-ion battery-powered Hua Xianzi represents an important step forward in the EV industry as sodium-ion battery technology provides a cost-effective solution that is safe, reliable and efficient. In addition, these batteries could help reduce the environmental impact of EVs.
“The future of electric vehicles looks promising, with the introduction of more affordable and sustainable battery technology,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, chief executive officer of JAC Motors South Africa. “With the development of new battery technology, EV pricing will become more competitive, giving more car buyers access to new-energy vehicles.”
Further reading:
High performance power distribution
Electrical Power & Protection
Hexagon Electrical plays an important role in enhancing efficiency and safety through the supply and support of a wide range of critical equipment for hazardous industrial and mining sectors in Africa.
Read more...
Navigating solar energy adoption
Electrical Power & Protection
Although South Africa’s enhanced solar tax rebate has ended, solar and energy storage solutions remain accessible and achievable. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, businesses can successfully lower their operational costs, mitigate power outages, and secure long-term energy independence.
Read more...
As wind energy gains momentum, lack of grid infrastructure remains a bottleneck
Electrical Power & Protection
Interest in wind energy has gained significant momentum in South Africa, opening up new opportunities for investment. However, lack of grid infrastructure could prove to be a stumbling block in unlocking this potential.
Read more...
Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The new appliance tester from Vepac is the ideal tool for testing the safety of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV. It enables the precise measurement of protective conductor or touch current using the equivalent leakage current method.
Read more...
Is sustainability enough any more?
Electrical Power & Protection
With the planet’s resources stretched to the brink and no signs of improvement, it is time we look beyond sustainability and explore regenerative thinking and design.
Read more...
A simple guide to understanding the importance of IP ratings
Electrical Power & Protection
When selecting electrical products for industrial, commercial or even domestic use, it is crucial to consider how well they can withstand environmental factors like dust and water. This is where ingress protection (IP) ratings come into play.
Read more...
A milestone in electrical safety
ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Celebrating a milestone in electrical safety, ABB proudly marks the 100-year anniversary of its revolutionary Miniature Circuit Breaker.
Read more...
The power of water
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The Alpenglow Hy4 is the world’s first water-based hydrogen combustion engine, offering a convincing alternative to traditional battery-electric vehicles and established hydrogen fuel cell designs.
Read more...
Optimising purification for green hydrogen production
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Parker Hannifin delivers advanced purification and thermal management components that enhance green hydrogen production.
Read more...
A new chapter in geothermal engineering
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The town of Geretsried in southern Germany has become a focal point in the global shift toward renewable energy. While the world’s attention often turns to wind turbines and solar panels, a quieter but no less powerful force is at work deep beneath the surface, geothermal energy.
Read more...
printer friendly version