JAC Debuts Sodium-Ion EVs in China

Abdullah

08 Jan 2024

331 JAC

JAC Debuts Sodium-Ion EVs in China

Chinese automaker JAC has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the delivery of vehicles featuring sodium-ion batteries. The Yiwei 3 hatchback, part of JAC's new EV-focused brand, is equipped with these innovative power batteries developed by HiNa Battery, an affiliate of the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences."

HiNa Battery's Sodium-Ion Advancements

Li Shujun, the general manager of HiNa Battery, highlights the substantial advantages of sodium-ion batteries over traditional lithium-ion batteries. These include improved cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. The energy density of the batteries in the delivered cars currently ranges from 140 to 160 watt-hours per kilogram, with expectations of reaching 160 to 180 watt-hours per kilogram in the next two years through advancements in materials science and battery design.

Technical Specifications of Yiwei 3 Model

The sodium-ion battery-equipped Yiwei 3 model boasts a battery pack capacity of 23.2 kWh and a CLTC (China Light Truck & Van Test Cycle) range of 230 km. The battery cells, each with a capacity of 12Ah, utilize a copper base layer-like oxide technology route, offering advantages in safety, energy density, low-temperature performance, and cycle life. The electricity consumption is approximately 10 kWh per 100 km.

Superior Performance and Charging Speeds

Compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, sodium-ion batteries excel in low-temperature performance, retaining over 92% capacity at -20°C. The model's winter range degradation is negligible even in extremely cold regions. Additionally, the sodium-ion battery supports faster charging speeds, reaching 80% charge in 20 minutes from 10%, and from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes, doubling the charging speed of mainstream LFP batteries.

Role of Sodium-Ion Batteries in Safeguarding Resource Security

During the delivery ceremony, Xia Shunli, deputy chief engineer of JAC Group, emphasized the role of sodium-ion batteries in safeguarding China's resource security in the development of new energy vehicles. With China currently importing 70% of its lithium, the limited supply of this metal poses a challenge to the nation's EV industry. Sodium-ion battery technology emerges as a promising alternative, addressing the scarcity and cost issues associated with lithium.

The introduction of sodium-ion battery-equipped EVs by JAC signifies a significant step toward overcoming challenges in the EV industry, ensuring sustainability, and contributing to China's resource security.

JAC Electric Vehicles SodiumIon Batteries Yiwei 3 HiNa Battery New Energy Vehicles Sustainable Transportation China EV Market Resource Security Battery Technology

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