CATL sodium-ion battery nears LFP energy density at lower mass production costs

[Redaktion]

The world's biggest battery maker issued an update on the mass production plans for its second sodium-ion battery generation. Apparently, CATL's R&D team has managed to achieve a sodium-ion battery energy density breakthrough.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/CATL-sodium-ion-battery-nears-LFP-energy-density-at-lower-mass-production-costs.983179.0.html

[heffeque]

Cheap, clean, and using materials that are available everywhere instead of dependent on China... Why aren't western countries investing like crazy in building them to stop relying on China?

They seem perfect for stationary batteries (near solar and wind farms, or even households). And who knows, maybe in a near future also viable for vehicles.

[anan]

Cheap, clean, and using materials that are available everywhere instead of dependent on China... Why aren't western countries investing like crazy in building them to stop relying on China?

They seem perfect for stationary batteries (near solar and wind farms, or even households). And who knows, maybe in a near future also viable for vehicles.

It is because western companies cannot hope to out-cheep chinese. 'Na' batteries are not on par with LFP yet. Such a battery build in a western country would likely be inferior to LFP and NCM from China. And would cost more. No one wants to invest in that.
This is why everyone is gunning for solid state batteries. Years ago the idea was 'if we need to build a multi-billion factory for this then we might as well choose the most promising tech'. The problem is SSBs turned out to be super difficult to develop/manufacture.
Hindsight is 20-20 and year ago no one wanted to dip their toes into tech with the least promising performance.

[Nobody Important]

Cheap, clean, and using materials that are available everywhere instead of dependent on China... Why aren't western countries investing like crazy in building them to stop relying on China?

They seem perfect for stationary batteries (near solar and wind farms, or even households). And who knows, maybe in a near future also viable for vehicles.

I don't think you understand how hard it is to convince people to invest in long term projects, and how hard it is to manage long term projects.  Chinas one-party government wasn't something easily done either, but it allows for better investment in long term projects, as well as management.  Heck, here in the US, people are so self-centered that if a project doesn't immediately benefit them then they will either work to make it benefit them, or they'll work to stop it.  Look at that EV company that took millions of dollars from the state of Oklahoma and did zero work.

[GeorgeS]

Easy.

In the 'West' EVERYTHING has to be not only for Profit but the return on investment has to happen NOW. (not later)

Any 'disruptive' idea or technology is fought against tooth & nail by the players that might have THEIR profits disrupted.

Keep in mind that entire 'ecosystems' of parts, OEM's, dealers, repair shops, suppliers, filling stations, transport, road taxes, etc. are 'hitched' to ICE vehicles and fossil fuels.

Existing industry (AND their investors) buy more politicians than new technology folks can afford.

[Paul GOVAN]

CATL have also intelligently stated their intention to produce mixed chemistry battery-packs: a pack comprised of, say, 25% sodium ion combined with 75% of their ultra-long range superfast charging 'Shenxing Plus' LFP cells would be perfect for drivers in countries where temperatures either frequently drop below -5C or often rise above +40C.
(Paul G)

[vikram]

Avaada Group's commitment to clean energy is truly commendable. Their efforts to expand renewable energy capacity in India are helping to shape a sustainable future. The focus on both large-scale solar projects and manufacturing capabilities is impressive.