CATL launches 1st-generation sodium-ion battery

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chinese power battery giant CATL launched its first-generation sodium-ion battery on July 29, aiming to provide all-new solutions for the development of clean energy and electrified transportation, and contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Photo credit: CATL

According to CATL's chairman Zeng Yuqun, the newly-launched battery has unique advantages in low-temperature performance, fast-charging, and environmental adaptability. Moreover, it is compatible and complementary with lithium-ion batteries.

As for the main performance indicators of the newly-unveiled battery, the energy density of cells reaches 160Wh/kg, currently the highest level in the world, said Dr. Huang Qisen, deputy dean of CATL Research Institute. At room temperature, the battery can be charged to 80% of its capacity within 15 minutes. Even in the environment with temperature below -20℃, the discharge retention rate will still be above 90%. Regarding the system integration efficiency, the battery can reach a rate of 80% and even above.

“In spite of the slightly lower energy density than the existing LFP batteries, CATL's first-generation sodium-ion battery has outstanding advantages in low-temperature performance and charging speed, especially in extremely low temperature and high-power applications,” Dr. Huang added.

With regard to system integration, CATL developed the AB battery system solution, which is designed to realize the integration and mixed use of sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

“We integrate sodium-ion battery cells and lithium-ion battery cells into one battery system, and mix and match the two kinds of batteries at a certain ratio and arrangement through serial and/or parallel integration,” said Dr. Huang. Using the BMS precise algorithm, CATL is able to balance the management of different battery systems. Thus, the current energy density shortage of the sodium-ion battery has been compensated, while the advantages of high power and low-temperature performance can be well performed.