Northvolt sodium-ion battery breakthrough offers LFP-beating density, low cost, and improved safety for future compact EVs

[Redaktion]

Northvolt claims it has reached a breakthrough in sodium-ion battery technology, allowing it to reach up to 160 Wh/kg energy density. This means Northvolt's Na-ion chemistry is starting to overtake existing LFP cells for affordability and density.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Northvolt-sodium-ion-battery-breakthrough-offers-LFP-beating-density-low-cost-and-improved-safety-for-future-compact-EVs.771216.0.html

[heffeque]

This is really great news for transitioning to renewable sources using cheap clean high quality stationary batteries.

And if the 2nd gen will be compact enough for cars/trucks/buses... even better!

[rickst29]

Although the energy density per unit mass competes with LFP, the sodium-ion cathodic material is less dense than the material in LFP battery cells. Currently available Na-ion cells need about 40% more total volume then LFP near-equivalents.

In automobiles and trucks, where space for battery packs is at a premium, this makes sodium-ion cells less attractive to use than more expensive Lithium cells. The voltage curve is also more viarable (with state-of-charge changes), and the lifespan is somewhat shorter (perhaps 3000-4000 charge cycles, rather than 6000+ for LFP cells -- both used with conservative charge limits at the top and bottom ragnae of possible SOC states.

They will be GREAT for fixed installations, but they are too large for vehicles.