Yiwei, a neophyte electric vehicle (EV) maker promises adding sustainable mobility to the world. It was launched earlier this year under the JAC Group. With Volkswagen holding a substantial 50% stake in JAC's parent company, complemented by the remaining 50% being state-owned, the stage is set for a transformative partnership.

This strategic alliance has now achieved a groundbreaking milestone, as the first-generation mass-produced sodium-ion batteries find their home in a production EV for the very first time.

Volkswagen, JAC Group Offer First Ever Sodium - Ion Battery Powered EV

Volkswagen backed a new EV brand in China named Yiwei. This new brand is part of JAC Group. The partnership brings the new JAC Yiwei EV to the table. Another option available in the growing electric vehicle industry available to the market.

As reported by Electrek, the German automaker, Volkswagen invested 1 billion euros in JAC Group in 2021. Later VW took full control of management of its current EV joint venture with a 75% stake. The latest EV from this partnership features a sodium-ion cylindrical cell from HiNa Battery.

Then, it will utilize JAC's UE module tech. The battery is described as having honey-come structure. Additionally, JAC's UE is compared to BYD's Blade battery. Such is being utilized in Kia, Ford, and Toyota EVs. The battery is also being compared to CATL's CTP (cell-to-pack) technology. As reports stated, the new sodium battery-powered Yiwei electruc vehicle will start deliveries by next month.

Prior to this schedule, the new JAC Yiwei EV rolled off the assembly line Wednesday. The Yiwei 3, the pioneer EV powered by sodium-ion battery was introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show last February. Nonetheless, the model launched with an LFP battery with JAC committing a sodium-ion version is still yet to be available.

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Benefits of Sodium-Ion Battery

JAC stated sodium-ion batteries have better low-temperature performance. They have better charging speed, a longer lifespan, and are more durable over the years. These are the advantages though they have lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries.

Reports stated that sodium-ion battery continues to expand. The technology has been around for quite sometime, around the 90's. However, due to its shorter life span and more weight than lithium-ion it didn't gained so much popularity. At present JAC a Chinese car manufacturer is utilizing these batteries in some of their shorter range EVs.

JAC, Sehol E10X

In 2021, Volkswagen transferred the Sehol brand to JAC. JAC announced that all vehicles would have either a JAC or Yiwei badge. In line with this the brand shared details about the sodium-ion battery powered Sehol E10X.

It features 25 kWh capacity. Moreover, it has 120 Wh/kg energy density. It could recharge 10%-80% in 20 minutes using its 3C to 4C charging.

As reported in Notebook Check website, the mass-produced pack from HiNa Battery is intalled in Sehol brand's model - the E10X. The car is a small urban electric car.

Notebook Check described it as a very affordable unit. It boasts of a decent range that VW sells boatloads of in China. Sehol E10X with its sodium-ion battery can cover about 157 miles (253km) on a charge and is capable of charging at up to 4C speeds or 15 minutes.

This capability was measured through a test.

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