Sodium Batteries Begin to Show Promise, Ready to Challenge Lithium-ion in Electric Vehicles

The development of electric vehicles is not only occurring in products but also in battery technology, which is their main component. After relying on lithium-ion for a long time, sodium-based or natrium batteries are now showing potential as serious competitors. Citing Carnewschina, the Chinese company HiNa Battery, together with JAC Motors, is developing sodium batteries with performance targets that can compete with or even surpass lithium-ion by 2027. An electric truck using sodium batteries can travel up to 20 percent farther than conventional lithium-ion batteries. This finding indicates that the technology is no longer just talk but is moving towards the commercialisation stage. HiNa Battery even states that its development has entered the initial production phase for commercial vehicles. One of the main advantages of sodium batteries is their ability to operate in extreme temperatures. Unlike lithium-ion, whose performance declines in low temperatures, sodium batteries remain stable even at minus 40 degrees Celsius. This opens up opportunities for electric vehicle use in regions with cold climates. In terms of efficiency, charging time also adds value. In testing, these batteries can fully charge in about 20 to 30 minutes, making them suitable for supporting the operations of commercial vehicles that require high working hours. Globally, the price of sodium battery cells is projected to be lower than lithium iron phosphate (LFP), potentially making electric vehicles more affordable. This development is also followed by several major manufacturers such as CATL and BYD, which are starting to move towards mass production and implementation in vehicles. Even the first passenger electric car with sodium batteries is reported to begin production in China and be marketed on a limited basis in 2026. Although promising, sodium batteries still have shortcomings in terms of lower energy density compared to lithium-ion. This means that for passenger vehicles with long-distance needs, lithium-ion remains the primary choice. As a middle ground, some manufacturers are starting to develop combination systems between sodium and lithium batteries in one vehicle to maximise each one’s advantages.