Compared with lithium iron phosphate systems, sodium-ion designs benefit from more abundant raw materials.
Chinese automotive giant BAIC Group says it has developed a sodium-ion battery prototype that it claims reaches leading industry benchmarks, as automakers intensify efforts to diversify beyond lithium-based chemistries.
The prismatic cell design delivers an energy density of about 170 watt-hours per kilogram, according to internal testing. The company highlighted fast-charging performance as a key differentiator, stating the system supports 4C charging and can reach a full charge in roughly 11 minutes.
BAIC added that the battery operates across a wide temperature range, from about -40°F to 140°F, while retaining more than 92% of its energy capacity at around -4°F, pointing to improved performance in cold-weather conditions.
Sodium-ion battery safety with extreme stress test results
The Chinese company has also outlined new safety validation results for its sodium-ion battery program, saying internal tests show the cells can tolerate extreme stress scenarios. The company reported the battery remained stable with no fire or explosion even when overcharged to 200% of its state of charge, and maintained structural integrity under thermal abuse conditions reaching about 392°F.
BAIC said it has built in-house capabilities spanning electrolyte development, cell architecture, and full system integration, while continuing to address key limitations in energy density and long-term cycle performance, CarNewsChina reported.
BAIC files 20 patents to advance sodium-ion battery development
BAIC has expanded its intellectual property footprint in sodium-ion batteries, reporting 20 patent filings covering materials, cell design, manufacturing processes, and testing methods. It also highlighted progress in fast-charging strategies, electrochemical modeling, and the analysis of degradation mechanisms, as it works to improve performance, lifespan, and overall system efficiency.