From ESS News
The basic structure of Na-ion batteries closely resembles that of Li-ion batteries, consisting of positive and negative electrodes, an electrolyte, and a separator. Round-trip efficiencies are similar to Li-ion at 90-plus percentages, but sodium’s larger particle size results in Na-ion batteries being bulkier and heavier.
Hithium’s one-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) was the latest product anouncement featuring a 162 Ah Na-ion cell, which the company says has a lifespan of 20,000 cycles. The product was launched last year at the RE+ exhibition in the United States and is positioned to address sudden load spikes in data centers while offering a longer lifespan.
Even if that claim proves true, a critical concern remains: Hithium did not disclose the data needed to assess power density, and Na-ion inherently has lower power density than Li-ion – an important disadvantage for the intended application of ensuring power quality, though not an absolute impediment.
Earlier in 2025, CATL launched its Naxtra Na-ion cell targeting the electric vehicle (EV) market, with a gravimetric energy density of 175 Wh/kg – very close to average lithium iron phosphate (LFP) – and a charge rate at 5 C. HiNa launched a similar product with 165 Wh/kg energy density. However, the most advanced LFP batteries achieve as high as 205 Wh/kg and charge at 12 C. This means that even at their new parameters, Na-ion will need to be relatively cheaper than average LFP and substantially cheaper than cutting-edge LFP to break through the niche status.
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Sodium Ion batteries are cheaper, operate in low temperatures, are not dangerous and have the same energy density. Most importantly they are good for thirty years use.
CATL say they can build them on the same production lines. They arr the biggest EV battery maker in the world. These will NOT be a niche product.