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| Credit: BYD |
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has initiated the construction of its inaugural factory dedicated to sodium-ion batteries in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, China. With a targeted annual production capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours, the facility is set to play a pivotal role in BYD’s strategic move towards sodium-ion battery technology. The groundbreaking ceremony, as reported by Chinese media, occurred on January 4, following the official project announcement a few weeks prior.
The collaborative effort between BYD and Huaihai, within the Xuzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, involves an estimated total investment of 10 billion yuan (approximately 1.4 billion euros). In November, BYD’s battery subsidiary FinDreams and Huaihai Holding Group entered into a contract for the factory’s construction, with the disclosed production capacity of 30 GWh per year. Notably, no specific timetable was provided at that time.
Sodium-ion batteries have garnered attention in recent years due to their potential cost reduction in the electric vehicle sector. The utilization of low-cost sodium as a replacement for the increasingly expensive lithium is a key advantage. However, the technology does present challenges, notably in terms of lower energy density. In China, major industry players, including BYD and CATL, are embracing sodium-ion battery technology, with CATL planning to commence production from 2023.
While CATL and BYD lead the sodium-ion battery charge in China, startup Zoolnasm is also eyeing production from 2024. Recently, two small electric cars featuring sodium-ion batteries began production in China, signaling the technology’s gradual integration into the market.
In Europe, Swedish battery cell manufacturer Northvolt stands as the sole entity to announce entry into the sodium-ion battery sector. The move by BYD aligns with broader industry trends and the ongoing exploration of alternative battery technologies amid the evolution of the electric vehicle landscape.
Source: EVMagz