New Research Shows Opportunities for Na-Ion Batteries

Of all the battery types that are in research at the moment, possibly the most promising chemistry, at least in the short-term, is sodium-ion (Na-ion). Although the chemistry offer slightly worse energy density than Li-ion batteries, it brings a lot more advantages to the table – it is cheaper, and bringing down the costs of EVs is top priority for every manufacturer. The chemistry uses materials that can be easily found and extracted, unlike lithium, bringing more secure supply chains. Its extraction does less environmental damage, and it is a lot safer, as it is more robust and less likely to combust when mishandled. Finally, it offers quicker charging times and operates better in both high and low temperatures. Na-ion batteries are already in mass productions, and there are already options to buy at least two production vehicles in China. A new research report from IDTechEx has been published which looks at the market for Na-ion batteries and its main drivers.

That market is growing quite considerably even though the technology is in its nascent stages. The report, entitled “Sodium-ion Batteries 2024-2034: Technology, Players, Markets, and Forecasts”, estimates that it will grow to at least 40 GWh by 2030. If the initial market for the batteries is proven to be a success over the course of this year, the industry has the potential to add up to 100 GWh of manufacturing capacity. Of course, those figures will depend on other factors, such as the anticipated uptake of EVs. Currently, the leaders in the market are the two giant Chinese battery corporations, CATL and BYD, who have the potential to quickly ramp up Na-ion production. Western European companies are also starting to enter this market.

The biggest opportunity in the market at the moment is that there could potentially be a shortage of lithium, as supply has not kept up with demand, and it will take some time to bring new lithium extraction online. If Na-ion can prove itself in that time, then it could secure a significant share of the market. That will likely not include the top-end of the market, where lithium has the advantage of smaller atoms that provide greater energy density. However, Na-ion has the potential to replace lead-acid (PbA) batteries and help meet demand for stationary energy storage, where lifetime operational cost, not weight or volume, is the overriding factor. Although there are Na-ion batteries currently in mass production, there is still a lot of research in the area to improve the performance of the anode/cathode materials while making the battery easier to manufacture.

The new report’s author, Senior Technology Analyst, Shazan Siddiqi, expects Na-ion batteries to be used predominantly in two and three-wheelers, microcars, and energy storage.

www.IDTechEx.com/Sodium