Sodium-Ion Battery Applications Grow – CleanTechnica

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Sodium-ion batteries (SIB) are not just for EVs and home storage. Sodium ion is ideal in rugged environments like farms, and in industry and commerce. Komatsu Japan is partnering with Pret Composites in Neijiang, China, to make 1.5-ton forklifts using Pret’s sodium-ion batteries. Pret plans to invest CNY 800 million ($112.3 million) to build a 6 GWh sodium-ion battery plant and promote large-scale application.

The first phase of the factory will be 2 GWh, with an investment of CNY 300 million, and will be completed in six months. The second phase will be completed after the first phase is done. Pret has a 1.3 GWh plant that can produce sodium-ion and lithium batteries.

Cold storage and rugged outdoor applications are ideal environments for sodium-ion applications, where lithium does not operate well.

In addition to forklifts, sodium-ion batteries are being tested in heavy trucks. Sodium-ion batteries proved low temperature performance in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, a location often used for mining equipment.

The world’s first sodium-ion, heavy-duty electric truck was listed in China, a development with Zhongke Haina and Jinlong Heavy-Duty Truck.

Other serendipitous applications include port equipment, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and lead-acid battery replacement. Hybrids, agriculture equipment, mining machinery, and construction applications are also a fit.

According to Li Shujun, general manager of Beijing Zhongke Haina Technology Company, costs are expected to decline as energy density improves and volume manufacturing takes hold, potentially halving within two to three years. Mass production costs are 0.4–0.5 yuan/Wh, with reductions to 0.3 yuan/Wh ($0.04/Wh or $40/kWh).

Haina is also partnering with JAC, Yutong, and FAW for trucks. These companies have electric trucks in production.