The Chinese manufacturer CATL has just unveiled its second generation of sodium batteriesa promising technology that could finally democratize electric cars.
This announcement comes in a context where the price of batteries still represents 30 to 40% of the total cost of an electric vehicle.
A game-changing innovation for the automotive industry
Dr. Wu Kai, Scientific Director of CATL, presented this new generation of batteries at the World Young Scientists Summit. These sodium batteries offer exceptional performance, including operating capacity down to -40°C. A technical feat that opens the way to use in all climatic conditions.
Sodium technology has a considerable advantage: the use of materials more abundant and less expensive than lithium. CATL aims for an energy density exceeding 200 Wh/kg, a level close to current lithium batteries. This performance, combined with reduced production costs, could lead to a significant drop in the price of electric vehicles.
A major impact on the automotive market from 2025
Manufacturers are already taking a close interest in this technology. Brands like Chery and JAC have already integrated the first generation of sodium batteries into their vehicles. According to projections, these new batteries could replace 20 to 30% of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries in compact vehicles.
BYD, CATL’s direct competitor, is also heading down this path. The manufacturer predicts that the production cost of sodium batteries will reach parity with lithium batteries by 2025. In the long term, it could even become 30% lower.
A gradual transition to more accessible electric vehicles
The deployment of this technology promises to be gradual. Mass production will not begin until 2027, giving manufacturers time to adapt their vehicles. This period will also make it possible to optimize production costs thanks to economies of scale.
Industry experts see this innovation as an opportunity to finally democratize electric vehicles. The reduction in the cost of batteries could lead to a reduction of several thousand euros on the final price of vehicles, making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.
- CATL launches a new generation of more efficient and less expensive sodium batteries
- Mass production will begin in 2027 with a significant impact on prices
- Electric cars could become much more affordable thanks to this technology
