In the movie ‘Dasavatharam’, when Kamal thinks, ‘Where will that much sodium go to destroy the virus that is destroying the world’, suddenly the sound of a sea urchin waves in his brain. ‘Sodium and salt… where is the place where there is more salt than the sea!’ He will go towards the sea. A similar idea is now becoming a reality in electric vehicle manufacturing.
‘Made in China?’ We say that in imitation. But now the technology is growing globally as ‘Started in China’. Yes, China-based electric vehicle company JAC Auto has showcased a sodium-based battery. Hina Battery Technologies, a start-up company from Beijing, China, has prepared the world’s first sodium ion battery. JAC Auto has showcased this battery in its vehicles in China.
When electric vehicles came, they first used lead acid batteries. Then, a step ahead came the Li Ion battery. Now this sodium ion (Na-Ion) battery has come several steps ahead of lithium ion. Compared to Li Ion battery, there is no need to wander for raw materials like nickel – manganese – cobalt – graphite. Sodium means salt. Salt is found in the sea. Therefore, since this Na-Ion battery is made from less expensive raw materials, it is about 10% cheaper than the lithium-ion battery. Hence, the cost of electric vehicles will also come down significantly.
The biggest problem with electric vehicles right now is their cost. The reason is the battery. Let’s say an electric scooter costs Rs 1 lakh. More than 65% of this is the cost of the battery. That means you are paying Rs 65,000 for the battery alone.
In the latest, an Ola scooter owner placed an order for a replacement of his battery after 3 years. Do you know how much that Ola S1 Pro battery costs? 87,000 came above Rs. But, 3 years ago he bought the scooter for 1.30 lakhs.
Performance is the biggest strength of lithium ion. Heena Battery Technology Company has developed this sodium ion battery so that it does not get affected. As it has lower pressure than lithium, it is said to be the best in terms of performance and charging speed at low temperature. Importantly, these Na-Ion batteries are also said to be Non-Flammable. The vehicle displayed by JAC is equipped with a 25kWh battery. It can go up to 250 km on a single charge.
We know that China’s BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, which entered our country as the latest, is competing to overtake America’s Tesla. It was BYD that came up with the latest battery technology called ‘Blade Battery’. Now China’s JAC Auto is taking the next step.
Do whatever battery you want; But make a non-burning battery China!