How electric scooters are driving China's salt battery push

In the bustling cities of China, electric scooters have become a common sight, especially in places like Hangzhou. These scooters, which resemble small motorcycles, are gaining attention not just for their convenience but because they use a new type of battery called sodium-ion batteries. Unlike the more common lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, sodium-ion batteries use sodium, a plentiful element found in the earth and sea. This makes them potentially cheaper and more sustainable to produce. Companies such as Yadea, a leading Chinese manufacturer of electric two-wheelers, are at the forefront of promoting these batteries. They have introduced fast-charging stations and battery-swapping facilities, allowing riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, making daily commuting easier and more efficient.

Sodium-ion batteries offer several advantages that make them suitable for electric scooters. They can charge rapidly, reaching 80% capacity in a short time, and perform better in cold weather compared to lithium-ion batteries. Safety is another important benefit; sodium-ion batteries are less prone to overheating and catching fire, a concern that has affected lithium-ion batteries in the past. Although sodium-ion batteries have a lower energy density than lithium-ion ones, meaning they store less energy in the same size, they still outperform traditional lead-acid batteries commonly used in scooters. This makes them a practical choice for two-wheelers, which usually travel shorter distances and at lower speeds.

China is leading the global push to develop and mass-produce sodium-ion batteries. The country is investing heavily in building factories and infrastructure to support this technology. The government and private companies are working together to create a widespread network of charging and battery-swapping stations, especially in large cities like Shenzhen. Experts believe that while sodium-ion batteries are currently most popular in electric scooters, their use could expand to larger vehicles and energy storage systems that support renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. This development could help reduce reliance on scarce raw materials used in lithium-ion batteries and promote cleaner, safer transportation options worldwide.