Sodium-ion batteries are entering the mass market as a cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium for electric vehicles.
The global electric vehicle industry is beginning to move beyond its heavy reliance on lithium-ion technology. While lithium has dominated the market for years, high costs and supply chain vulnerabilities have pushed automakers to explore alternative chemistries.
This change is occurring with the release of the first mass-produced passenger vehicle powered by a sodium-ion battery. Developed through a partnership between battery manufacturer CATL and Chinese automaker Changan, this vehicle is the first mass-produced passenger EV to use this specific battery chemistry.
Sodium is more abundant and cheaper to source than lithium, which could eventually lower the entry price for electric cars for more people. A primary feature of this transition is the battery’s performance in harsh environments. Traditional lithium-ion batteries lose efficiency and range when temperatures drop.
Sodium-ion chemistry is designed to retain a high percentage of its capacity in extremely low temperatures. This characteristic makes it a solution for drivers in cold-weather regions where winter has been a barrier to switching to electric power.
A trade-off exists with this technology. Sodium-ion batteries have a lower energy density than lithium counterparts. This means the overall driving range of these vehicles remains lower, making them suited for urban commuting and lower-cost vehicle segments rather than long-distance travel.
The current implementation by Changan shows that these batteries can be integrated into consumer platforms rather than remaining in laboratory settings.
Industry experts do not see sodium-ion as a total replacement for lithium yet. It is expected to complement existing options by filling a specific niche in the market, particularly in colder climates and affordable car models. If manufacturing scales up and performance holds, this new battery chemistry could expand EV accessibility in regions that were previously underserved.
