Will sodium-ion technology become the optimal solution for car starter batteries?

Compared to lead-acid starter batteries, sodium-ion starter batteries demonstrate significant advantages in terms of charging or discharging efficiency, cold cranking capability, life cycle, long-term storage, and improving user experience. 

 

1. Charging or discharging efficiency of sodium-ion starter batteries

 

When the ambient temperature is above 0°C, the sodium-ion starter battery is capable of continued 3C charging. The battery can be fully charged in just 20 to 25 minutes. Even in an environment of -30°C, the sodium-ion starter battery maintains a Coulombic efficiency (discharge efficiency) as high as 90%.

 

When utilized as a start-stop battery, a sodium-ion starter battery demonstrates significantly higher efficiency than EFB or AGM batteries. Consequently, the resulting energy-saving and emission-reduction are also far more pronounced. 

 

2. Cold cranking capability of sodium-ion starter batteries

 

At an ambient temperature of -18°C, a sodium-ion starter battery with a State of Charge (SoC) of 70%–80% retains the capability for 10C pulse discharge; when the SoC exceeds 90%, its pulse discharge capability reaches as high as 15C.

 

For users in severe cold regions, sodium-ion starter batteries—with their robust low-temperature pulse discharge capability—ensure that vehicles can be successfully started anytime, anywhere.

 

3. Life cycle of sodium-ion starter batteries

 

Under 1C current cycling test conditions, sodium-ion starter batteries achieve a cycle life of up to 2,000 cycles, which is 3 to 4 times longer than flooded, EFB, or AGM starter batteries.

 

The ultra-long life of sodium-ion starter batteries can significantly reduce the frequency with which users need to replace their starter batteries. When comparing the cost per cycle of sodium-ion chemistry against lead-acid chemistry, the cost is roughly comparable to that of flooded batteries, yet significantly lower than that of EFB or AGM batteries. 

 

4. Storage of sodium-ion starter batteries

 

Sodium-ion starter batteries can be stored for 6-12 months at 0V without suffering degradation or posing safety risks. This unique advantage stems from the specific structural design of the sodium-ion battery's anode - a characteristic not found in any other known types of rechargeable batteries.

 

When a vehicle meets long-term parking, short-distance driving, or modification, lead-acid starter batteries are prone to deep discharge - which can lead to battery failure. However, utilizing sodium-ion starter batteries in such vehicles offer an excellent solution to this challenge.

 

5. User experience of sodium-ion starter batteries

 

The integrated intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) upgrades the relationship between the user and the battery from a one-way operation to a two-way dialogue. Users can not only monitor every critical status of the battery - such as SoC, SOH, and temperature - at any time via their phones or tablets, but also receive proactive alerts and services through the App.

 

Sodium-ion chemistry redefines the user experience for starter batteries through three key characteristics: high performance combined with intelligence, an ultra-long lifespan, and complete maintenance-free.

 

 

About DEFORD New Power Co., Ltd. 

 

DEFORD New Power Co., Ltd. is committed to design and manufacture advanced, safe and reliable sodium-ion battery systems. We are veterans of battery industry, and our core team has more than 20 years battery expertise.

 

Thanks to our deep understanding to battery technology, battery management system (BMS), and expertise on mechanics and thermodynamics. With the assistance of our advanced manufacturing facilities and cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES). We do have the ability to guarantee the high quality, safety and reliability of your battery systems. 

 

For any inquiries about sodium-ion starter batteries, please contact us by info@deford.com.cn.