Niu to debut two-wheeler with sodium-ion batteries in 2023

The Chinese language producer Niu plans to launch its first electrical two-wheeler with a sodium-ion battery subsequent 12 months. The producer seems to place battery price over considerations with weight.

Niu CEO Li Yan advised Chinese language media, that Niu needs to maintain prices below management within the face of rising lithium-ion battery costs. Sodium-ion batteries are heavier than lithium batteries for a similar vary however cheaper.

Niu had already elevated the gross sales value of its batteries by seven per cent as of April, which was additionally justified by the rising prices. Pushed by the worth pattern, the e-two-wheeler producer has additionally explored adjustments to the battery pack itself.

Extra worryingly, there’s additionally a pattern to return to lead-acid batteries – an especially toxic choice. Li nonetheless stated lead-acid batteries elevated the standard and repair lifetime of such cells. Because of this, Niu already provides a nano-graphene lead-acid battery in some fashions. Additional testing has taken place with lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) batteries.

Li didn’t specify who will provide the sodium-ion cells to Niu or elaborated on the specs. Nonetheless, Niu primarily operates throughout the aggressive Chinese language marketplace for low-price two-wheelers equivalent to e-bikes and scooters. Based on a plan launched earlier this 12 months, the agency anticipated to promote as much as 1.5 million automobiles in China and 300,000 LEVs in abroad markets. Niu had debuted its portfolio at EICMA in Milan, Italy final 12 months as reported.

As for Na-ion batteries, CATL reportedly introduced a sodium-ion battery in 2021 and stated manufacturing would begin in 2023. We’ve described the benefits, disadvantages and potential purposes of sodium-ion batteries on this article. CATL additionally envisions blended battery situations.

Sodium-ion batteries might not substitute lithium-ion batteries in bigger purposes however might substitute lead-acid batteries in LEVs sooner or later, a Guosen Securities report stated, based on the CNEV Put up.

pandaily.com, cnevpost.com