Ok- then now let’s go into the middle of the matter:Sodium-ion...

Ok- then now let’s go into the middle of the matter:

Sodium-ion battery technology is still in its infancy.

There is still a long way to go before it is fully developed.

Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are constantly being developed further.

The latest development has just successfully passed the test phase ( translated from German with Google-Translator ):

More range, less weight and faster charging – the solid-state cell is considered a big step in e-mobility. VW sees series production approaching.

Europe's largest car manufacturer Volkswagen reports success in the development of the solid-state cell, which is considered the next generation of electric car batteries.
A solid-state battery has now passed a long-term test in the VW laboratory in Salzgitter, the Group subsidiary PowerCo, which is responsible for the battery business, announced on Wednesday. The cell has completed more than 1,000 charging cycles, which corresponds to a total range of around 500,000 kilometers, according to PowerCo. The “Handelsblatt” had previously reported.
According to the information, the battery cell, developed together with the US partner QuantumScale, was tested over several months in the laboratories of the VW battery subsidiary PowerCo in Salzgitter. The group is currently building its first battery cell factory there. According to PowerCo, the cell still had over 95 percent of its capacity at the end of the long-term test. This means that they have even significantly exceeded the test requirements.

What is a solid cell battery?

In all types of batteries, a conductive material transports ions between the anode and cathode, causing the electrons to move in opposite directions. A current is created. In the case of a solid-state battery, this so-called electrolyte is a solid substance - unlike the current lithium-ion battery, which is used in many electric cars and hybrid models.This material enables a higher energy density - ultimately the car can drive further even though the battery is no larger than your conventional batteries.In addition, the solid-state battery does not need to be cooled extensively - this saves energy.
In addition, loading times should be drastically reduced.Furthermore, the new battery type also has a longer service life, which is shortened with conventional batteries in an unfavorable temperature range.
Another advantage: developers consider the solid-state battery to be safer because, according to manufacturers, it does not lead to a persistent fire in the event of an accident.

Ready for series production “as quickly as possible”Volkswagen is satisfied: "These are very encouraging results that impressively underline the potential of the solid-state cell," said PowerCo boss Frank Blome. "The end result of this development could be a battery cell that enables long ranges, can be charged super quickly and practically does not age."

According to the announcement, QuantumScale boss Jagdeep Singh announced that he wanted to bring the new technology to series production “as quickly as possible”. However, there is still work to be done. According to “Handelsblatt”, the first pilot production with low quantities is planned for the end of 2024. The aim is to increase the number of units noticeably by the end of 2025, the paper reports, citing the QuantumScale boss. Then series production begins.
Other manufacturers have also been working on innovative battery technology for years. BMW wants to build a pilot plant in Parsdorf near Munich together with its partner Solid Power and, according to previous information, is planning the first test vehicle with a solid-state cell before 2025. Nissan has announced a first pilot plant in Japan for 2024, Toyota announced in the fall that it wanted to bring the technology into series production by 2027.