Track
World Market
Date
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Time
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Name
Sodium, the savior of the battery material supply chain – Is it capable of replacing Li-ion based battery cell technologies in the automotive industry?
Description

With increasing battery demand, global supply chain disruptions, sustainability concerns, and the need for more powerful batteries, current lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology is being pushed to its limits. As a result, next-generation battery technologies such as Advanced Solid-State Battery (ASSB) concepts, advanced active materials in LIBs, and Na-ion technology have garnered significant attention, particularly in the automotive market segment. Na-ion-based cell technologies are being discussed as potential solutions to secure supply chains, eliminate the dependence on critical materials, and offer promising cost reductions. The high prices of lithium and recent announcements by industry leaders regarding the application of Na-ion batteries have captured widespread interest in the market. Competitors, automotive manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the battery market worldwide are closely monitoring these developments. Consequently, the question arises whether Li-ion technology will continue to dominate the market despite ongoing advancements, or if it could eventually be replaced by emerging battery technologies like Na-ion in the long term. This presentation aims to evaluate the performance and market readiness of Na-ion technology compared to LIBs from an industrial perspective. It will highlight the essential criteria for significant market penetration in the automotive industry. Exploring the economic feasibility and cost advantages of sodium-ion technology, the presentation will address the rising demand for affordable batteries in automotive and other applications. It will assess the price potential of sodium-ion batteries compared to lithium-ion batteries, considering the readiness of the upstream material supply chain. The critical issue of the lithium supply gap and the potential of sodium as a gap-filling solution will also be discussed. Moreover, the talk will delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of sodium-ion batteries. This includes examining the technological advancements necessary for commercial viability and the potential impact on the dominant lithium-ion market.

Christian Baur
Location Name
Ferrum