In a historic milestone for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, JAC's Yiwei brand introduces the world's first mass-produced EV equipped with a sodium-ion battery. The groundbreaking Yiwei EV hatchback, slated for deliveries starting January 2024, boasts a cylindrical sodium-ion pack developed by Beijing-based HiNa Battery. JAC's innovative UE (Unitized Encapsulation) module technology, recognized for its honeycomb design, underlines the vehicle's commitment to pushing the boundaries of battery structure concepts.
A New Chapter in EV Innovation
Yiwei emerges as a formidable EV brand under the umbrella of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC), marking its establishment in 2023. A key player in this venture, JAC's parent company, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Holdings (JAG), operates under a unique ownership structure with 50% state ownership and the remaining 50% held by the Volkswagen Group. This strategic collaboration, initiated in 2020, reflects Volkswagen's unprecedented investment in a state-owned Chinese automotive manufacturer, sparking debates and controversies in the industry.
VW's Strategic Moves in China
Volkswagen's stake in JAC raised eyebrows, prompting mixed reactions and refraining from comments by VW's joint venture partners in China, SAIC, and FAW. Further contributing to the narrative, Volkswagen's subsequent investment of $700 million in the Chinese EV maker Xpeng in July 2023 added another layer of complexity. This investment secured Volkswagen a nearly 5% stake in Xpeng and access to its E/E Edward platform, signaling dynamic shifts in the strategic landscape of the Chinese electric vehicle market.
Hefei-based JAC, recognized as a former contract manufacturer of Nio cars, now takes center stage in advancing EV technology. JAC's sodium-ion breakthrough builds on its February 2023 achievement when it became the first automaker to incorporate a lithium-free sodium-ion battery into the Sehol E10X hatchback. This battery, featuring a remarkable 25 kWh capacity, showcased an energy density of 120 Wh/kg and rapid charging capabilities, redefining the possibilities of sodium-ion technology.
HiNa NaCR32140 Cell: Heart of the Sodium-Ion Revolution
At the core of JAC's sodium-ion revolution is the HiNa NaCR32140 cell, a technological marvel that propels sodium-ion batteries into the spotlight. Boasting an energy density reaching 140 Wh/kg for individual cells, this breakthrough promises sustainable and cost-effective EVs while reducing dependence on lithium—a critical consideration given ongoing supply chain challenges associated with lithium resources.
The unveiling of Yiwei 3 during the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023 showcased JAC's commitment to sodium-ion technology. While the initial launch in June featured a classic LFP lithium battery, Yiwei remains committed to sodium-ion advancements, with promises of a sodium-ion variant to be introduced later. Positioned as a compact hatchback rivaling the likes of Wuling Bingo, BYD Seagull, and ORA Funky Cat, the Yiwei 3 impresses with two front-wheel drive powertrain options—70 kW and 100 kW motors—offering a maximum cruising range of 505 km CLTC with a 51.5 kWh battery.
Xia Shunli, chairman of Yiwei, envisions sodium-ion batteries as a pivotal element in the EV landscape, complementing LFP batteries and serving as a low-cost solution for widespread EV adoption. The journey of JAC and the Yiwei brand reflects a commitment to technological excellence, sustainability, and reshaping the narrative of electric mobility. As the sodium-ion revolution takes center stage, the industry anticipates more groundbreaking developments in the near future. Stay tuned for the unfolding chapters of JAC's sodium-ion journey.