A new sodium-ion battery designed by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) of China promises high-energy density, fast-charging capability, excellent thermal stability, great low-temperature performance and high-integration efficiency.

Developed for transportation electrification and energy storage applications, the battery can charge in 15 minutes to 80% state of charge at room temperature. In a low-temperature environment of -20° C, the device has a capacity retention rate of more than 90%, making it suitable for deployment in cold regions. Additional characteristics include a system integration efficiency exceeding 80% and an energy density of 160 Wh/kg.

Source: CATLThe cathode is designed with sodium-rich Prussian white material with a high specific capacity and assembled to address the problem of rapid capacity fading upon material cycling. The anode is based on a hard carbon material with a unique porous structure enabling the abundant storage and fast movement of sodium ions.

A battery pack solution has also been engineered by CATL to integrate sodium-ion cells and lithium-ion cells into one system. With this arrangement, the more powerful lithium-ion cells compensate for the energy-density shortage of sodium-ion batteries. Simultaneously, sodium-ion battery cells can help the pack maintain high power and performance at low temperatures.

The next goal is to develop a sodium-ion battery with an energy density greater than 200 Wh/kg.