output from Batteries for electric cars It is generating high prices for lithium, cobalt and nickel, the basic materials for its manufacture. In this scenario, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) this week submitted a file The first sodium ion battery Ready for commercial distribution.

The Chinese electric car battery giant (and supplier to manufacturers such as BMW, Tesla, Toyota or Volkswagen) was the first to announce a sodium battery, a material more abundant and cheaper than lithium.

As described by Reuters, Lithium supply is expected to be scarce by 2022Therefore, the CATL movement suggests there is a “Plan B” to maintain capacity to meet demand for electric vehicle batteries.

These new sodium batteries 80% fee in 15 minutes, good energy density and Better thermal stability to work properly at high and low temperaturesThis is its best advantage over lithium, beyond its economic cost.

The first generation of sodium-ion batteries will have an energy density of 160 W/kg, which is an acceptable level although lower than that achieved with lithium, where current batteries move around 200-250 W/kg.

“The sodium ion battery has a working principle similar to that of the lithium ion battery. Sodium ions also move between the cathode and the anode. However, compared to lithium ions, sodium ions have a larger volume and higher requirements in terms of structural stability and kinetic properties of the materials “, describes the Chinese manufacturer.

CATL’s goal is to establish a large-scale production chain by 2023, and China sees great potential in sodium batteries, the technology of which is included in their national energy plan.