Sodium Ion Battery & Lithium Ion Battery

KPIT Technologies in Pune leads the shift from lithium-ion to sodium-ion batteries for EVs, aiming for cost-effectiveness and reduced material dependency.

Sodium Ion Battery & Lithium Ion Battery

In Pune, KPIT Technologies is leading the way in a shift from conventional lithium-ion batteries to sodium-ion batteries. Unlike lithium-ion batteries which use scarce materials, sodium-ion batteries use abundant sodium. KPIT’s initiative aims to make electric vehicles more cost-effective and reduce dependency on materials from other nations.

What are Ion-Based Batteries?

A rechargeable battery is known as an ion-based battery that effectively stores and releases electrical energy by allowing ions (charged particles) to move between two electrodes, a positive electrode called the cathode and a negative electrode known as the anode. This movement of ions happens during both the charging and discharging processes, allowing the battery to store and release energy efficiently.

What is a Sodium-Ion Battery?

A sodium-ion battery functions by using positively charged sodium ions to store and release energy using small particles. Unlike batteries that are found in phones and electric cars, which use lithium ions, sodium-ion batteries emerged as a possible alternative in the 1990s and started being explored for commercial applications.

How Sodium-Ion Batteries Work?

Sodium-ion batteries, or Na-ion batteries, work through a chemical reaction that stores and releases electrical energy. Similar to all batteries, they consist of two parts – a positive and a negative part – with a special substance called an electrolyte in between. This electrolyte enables small charged particles, known as ions, to move between the positive and negative parts.

The working of both types of batteries is the same, but instead of using lithium ions, they use sodium ions. The materials chosen for the positive and negative parts and the electrolyte can impact how well the battery works and lasts. Scientists are always trying out different combinations to find the best mix of cost, performance, and safety. Usually, sodium is found in the negative part and the electrolyte.

What is a Lithium-Ion Battery?

Lithium-ion batteries work by using lithium ions to store and release energy. They are often found in phones, laptops, and electric cars. These batteries have positive and negative parts separated by a substance called electrolyte. The electrolyte helps lithium ions move between the positive and negative parts.

These batteries function well because lithium ions move easily, allowing for recharging. They’re popular for storing a decent amount of energy relative to their size and weight. However, they aren’t flawless and come with drawbacks, such as the risk of overheating and requiring careful handling.

Advantages of Sodium-Ion Battery

Abundance Advantage: Sodium-ion batteries have a benefit because sodium, a key component, is more available than lithium. This makes it simpler and more economical to obtain the needed materials, potentially lowering manufacturing costs and being environmentally friendly.
Cost-Effective: Sodium-ion batteries may be less costly to make than lithium-ion batteries because sodium is widely available, even more than lithium which is currently more common.
Energy Density: Sodium-ion batteries can store energy like lithium-ion batteries, suitable for different uses.
Safety: Sodium-ion batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries. They’re less likely to get too hot or catch fire, which is a problem with some lithium-ion batteries.

Disadvantages of Sodium-Ion Battery

Sodium-ion batteries operate at 2.5V, lower than the 3.7V of lithium-ion batteries.
The lower voltage may not be suitable for applications that require frequent energy delivery.
Sodium-ion batteries have slower charging and discharging times compared to lithium-ion batteries.
This slower pace might be less ideal for situations demanding quick power bursts, like in electric vehicles.
Sodium-ion batteries can only undergo a certain number of charge cycles before experiencing wear.
Some lithium-ion batteries, such as LiFeP04, can last up to 10,000 cycles, surpassing sodium-ion batteries in this aspect.

Why Choose Sodium-Ion Over Lithium-Ion Battery for EV?

Considering sodium-ion over lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) has some reasons, even though both types have pros and cons.

Ample Availability: Sodium, more accessible than lithium, suggests that employing sodium in batteries might have environmental and cost advantages.
Cost-Efficiency: Sodium-ion batteries, being less expensive than lithium-ion counterparts, could enhance the affordability of electric vehicles.
Environmental Friendliness: Sodium-ion batteries may pose a lesser environmental impact than lithium-ion batteries, given the ease of sourcing less harmful substances.
Safety Consideration: Sodium-ion batteries may offer improved safety as sodium’s lower reactivity compared to lithium reduces the risk of issues such as overheating.

Sodium-Ion Battery V/s Lithium-Ion Battery

Feature	Sodium-Ion Battery	Lithium-Ion Battery
Material Availability	Sodium is abundant and widely available.	Lithium availability can be limited.
Cost	Potentially lower cost.	Generally higher cost.
Energy Density	Lower energy density.	Higher energy density.
Charging Speed	Slower charging speed.	Faster charging speed.
Voltage	Lower voltage (around 2.5V).	Higher voltage (around 3.7V).
Environmental Impact	Potentially lower environmental impact.	Environmental concerns with lithium mining.
Safety	It might offer improved safety features.	Generally safe, but some risk of overheating.
Life Cycle	Limited charge cycles before degradation.	Longer cycle life in many lithium-ion chemistries.
Application	It is still evolving and may be suitable for EVs.	Widely used in EVs and various electronic devices.

Global Initiative by KPIT with First Sodium-Ion Battery Tech as a Li-Ion Alternative in India

Pune-based KPIT Technologies, a software integration firm focusing on the automotive and mobility ecosystem, has introduced sodium-ion battery technology. This innovation aims to decrease reliance on imported core battery materials. The new technology is expected to cut the cost of electric vehicle batteries by approximately 25-30% compared to existing lithium-ion batteries, according to Ravi Pandit, co-founder and chairman of KPIT.

Cost Reduction Goal:

KPIT Technologies aims to significantly reduce the cost of electric vehicle batteries by introducing sodium-ion battery technology. The anticipated reduction of 25-30% compared to lithium-ion batteries is a key cost-saving objective.

Addressing Lithium Supply Concerns:

KPIT’s initiative responds to global concerns about the concentrated supply of lithium in a few countries, such as China and Bolivia. By developing sodium-ion batteries, KPIT contributes to diversifying the supply chain for battery materials.

Importance of Earth’s Abundant Raw Materials:

The sodium-ion battery technology relies on Earth’s abundant raw materials, positioning it as a sustainable alternative. This approach aligns with KPIT’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions.

Versatile Applications:

KPIT’s sodium-ion battery technology is not limited to electric vehicles. It has applications in various sectors, including automotive, mobility, electric two and three-wheelers, commercial vehicles, stationary deployments (e.g., UPS backups and grid storage), as well as the marine and defense sectors.

Performance Advantages:

Sodium-ion batteries offer a prolonged lifespan with 80% capacity retention over 3000-6000 cycles. Additionally, they provide quicker charging capabilities than traditional lithium-ion batteries, enhancing their attractiveness for different applications.

Global Initiative for Supply Chain Localization:

KPIT’s sodium-ion battery initiative contributes to the global push for supply chain localisation. By reducing dependency on imported core battery materials, it promotes a more self-reliant and stable supply chain.

Seeking Collaborative Partnerships:

KPIT is actively exploring partnerships with battery manufacturers to leverage its proprietary sodium-ion battery technology. Collaborative efforts are essential for scaling up production and widespread adoption.

Contribution to Sustainable Mobility:

The sodium-ion battery initiative aligns with KPIT’s broader commitment to a sustainable mobility ecosystem. It reflects the company’s strategic vision for alternative battery technologies and the localisation of the storage value chain.

Anticipation of EV Market Growth:

KPIT’s initiative recognises the projected growth of the electric vehicle market. As India aims to electrify 30% of its vehicle fleet by 2030, initiatives like these become crucial to address challenges such as high EV battery costs and import dependence on key raw materials for batteries.

Focus on Innovation and Rapid Scaling:

With the Indian Li-ion battery market expected to surge from 4 GWh in 2022 to 120 GWh by 2030, KPIT emphasises the need for rapid innovation and scaling by cell manufacturers to meet the high demand with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53%.

Conclusion

Sodium-ion batteries are a new and hopeful development in electric vehicles, and KPIT Technologies is leading the way. These batteries are a good option compared to regular lithium-ion ones because they are more available, cheaper, and safer. KPIT’s global plan not only deals with cost problems but also helps create a stable and diverse supply chain. The sodium-ion batteries aren’t just for electric cars; they have other uses too, showing KPIT’s dedication to eco-friendly transportation. As more electric cars come into use, creative solutions like this one are crucial for solving problems and making a cleaner future.

FAQs

1. CATL Sodium-Ion Battery

CATL is developing sodium-ion batteries, a kind that stores and releases energy using sodium ions. They’re looking into this as an option to the usual lithium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries come with benefits like being cost-effective and safer. CATL’s goal is to play a part in creating sustainable solutions for storing energy.

2. Why are sodium batteries better than Lithium?

Sodium batteries are considered better than lithium batteries for a few reasons. Sodium, a key component, is more abundant and cheaper than lithium. Sodium batteries are also considered safer and have a potentially lower environmental impact. However, they are still in the development stage and need improvements to match the performance of lithium batteries.

3. Why are Sodium-Ion Batteries not used?

Sodium-ion batteries are not widely used yet for several reasons. While they have advantages, they also face challenges like lower energy density and slower charging compared to lithium-ion batteries. Scientists are still working to improve these aspects and make sodium-ion batteries more practical for various applications.