Summary
- Sodium-ion EV batteries use abundant and inexpensive salt to replace lithium-ion batteries
- Researchers are developing new chemistries to improve performance and energy density
- US research on sodium-ion batteries has focused on stationary energy storage applications
- Vanadium is being used to enhance sodium-ion batteries and increase energy density
- A new consortium called LENS is focused on developing sodium-ion batteries for EVs and grid storage applications
Article
Sodium-ion EV batteries are on the rise as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance and low cost of salt, which is used as a key ingredient. While performance has been a challenge, researchers are working on developing new chemistries to improve energy density and battery lifespan. In the US, much of the sodium-ion battery research has focused on stationary energy storage applications, but efforts are being made to advance the technology for use in electric vehicles (EVs) as well.
The addition of vanadium to sodium-ion batteries has shown promising results in improving energy density and efficiency during charge/discharge cycles. A research team based in Texas has introduced sodium vanadium phosphate into the sodium-ion battery field, increasing energy density by more than 15% compared to older sodium-ion batteries. This material brings sodium technology closer to competing with lithium-ion batteries, making it a potential game-changer in the EV market.
The potential for sodium-ion batteries to be used in EVs is promising due to the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of sodium as a material. The stability of vanadium in different states allows for efficient charging and discharging, resulting in a continuous voltage that enhances battery performance. While commercialization may initially focus on stationary energy storage, the development of sodium-ion EV batteries holds great promise for the future of electric mobility.
The establishment of the Low-cost Earth-abundant Na-ion Storage (LENS) consortium aims to diversify the domestic battery supply chain by exploring sodium-ion battery technology. This initiative, led by Argonne National Laboratory, focuses on developing sodium-ion batteries with higher energy density to reduce reliance on lithium-ion chemistry. By leveraging the abundance of sodium as a material, the consortium aims to increase supply chain resilience and provide cost-effective options for EV batteries.
As the demand for low-cost EV batteries grows, the development of sodium-ion technology could provide a sustainable and affordable solution for electric mobility. The LENS consortium, along with research efforts from various academic institutions, is paving the way for the commercialization of sodium-ion EV batteries in the US market. With the potential for significant advancements in energy storage and battery technology, sodium-ion batteries offer a promising future for the electric vehicle industry.
Read the full article here
