The first production car with sodium batteries

China's Yiwei, a subsidiary of JAC Group, has launched the E10X, the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle using sodium-ion batteries. The technology, developed by HiNa Battery, is a breakthrough in the industry, enabling cheaper production and better cold resistance. After successfully passing brutal tests in arctic conditions, the vehicle is ready for mass sales, bringing new hope for more affordable mobility.

Electric mobility is entering a new era with the release of the Yiwei E10X, a vehicle that moves away from traditional lithium-ion batteries. Yiwei, in collaboration with battery manufacturer HiNa Battery, has developed a system based on sodium – an element that is much more readily available and cheaper than lithium in nature. This allows for a lower final price of the vehicle, while eliminating dependence on expensive raw materials, the prices of which fluctuate greatly on global markets.

The main advantage that Yiwei emphasizes is its exceptional stability in extreme weather conditions. While lithium batteries lose a large part of their capacity in the cold, HiNa Battery's sodium cells have maintained more than 90% of their efficiency in tests at temperatures below -20°C. This makes the E10X an ideal choice for users in colder climates where conventional electric vehicles would require more frequent charging.

The Yiwei E10X is designed as a city car with a compact design. Its length is approximately 365.76 cm, which allows for easy maneuvering in city centers. Despite its small size, it offers a modern interior with digital displays and advanced connectivity. The 25 kWh battery pack allows for a range of up to 252 km on a single charge, which is more than enough for everyday tasks. Fast charging ensures that the battery can be charged from 10 % to 80 % in approximately 20 minutes.

Safety was a top priority when developing HiNa Battery’s system. Sodium batteries are less prone to overheating and ignition, which increases customer confidence in the new technology. Yiwei plans to make the E10X the first of a series of vehicles to use this solution. With a starting price of around €8,188, it makes electric cars more accessible to a wider range of people. This shift to sodium could completely change the market dynamics in the coming years, forcing even major manufacturers to consider alternative battery chemistries.