Sodium-Ion Batteries for EV Applications

Authors

H. Löbberding, M. Stapelbroek, M. Rudolph, A. Averberg, K. Poch, T. Lüdiger - FEV

Summary

Sodium-Ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising alternative to existing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), especially to those based on lithium iron phosphate. SIBs do not rely on expensive and price volatile lithium precursors, nor do they necessarily use socially and ecologically critical transition metals such as cobalt. In addition to their advantages over lithium-ion batteries, SIBs struggle with inferior volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, and due to the many possible cell chemistries being pursued by cell manufacturers, their ultimate capabilities are yet difficult to assess. To this end, this paper explains the design principles of SIBs, their strengths and weaknesses compared to lithium-ion batteries, and their costs. Future scenarios for EV applications, where SIBs could compete with or replace low-cost lithium iron phosphate chemistry are discussed.