Yadea, one of the largest urban mobility companies, has introduced its first electric scooter powered by a sodium-ion battery, marking a significant development in the electric vehicle sector.
The new scooter, available in multiple versions, uses sodium-ion cells provided by Yuji Tech, a move that highlights the growing traction of sodium-ion batteries, which have moved beyond the research phase and are now entering real-world applications.
Sodium-ion technology is gaining momentum, similar to the earlier adoption of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries. After more than a decade of development, sodium-ion batteries are now being mass-produced and utilized in both grid-level energy systems and electric vehicles.
Major battery manufacturers like CATL and BYD are increasingly focusing on sodium-ion battery production, reflecting its expanding role in the energy and mobility sectors. While sodium-ion batteries are not yet as energy-dense as their lithium counterparts, they are well-suited for energy storage and smaller electric vehicles, such as city scooters.
The Yadea Q1 electric scooter, powered by a 24Ah sodium-ion battery, offers up to 70 km (45 miles) of range on a single charge and takes just 15 minutes to charge to 80%. The base model is priced at $450, while the higher-end Q50 model, featuring traction control, costs $590.
While not the fastest in its class, with a speed limited to 25 km/h, the scooter stands out for its affordability and use of sodium-ion technology, which is becoming increasingly popular in the urban mobility market.
The scooterās sodium-ion battery is designed for durability, with hard carbon electrodes that enable over 1,500 charge cycles, equating to about five years of regular use. Additionally, the sodium-ion battery maintains more than 92% of its capacity even in temperatures as low as -20Ā°C (-4Ā°F), a feature that enhances its performance in cold climates.
However, the scooter’s load capacity is limited to 75 kg (165 pounds), which may not be a significant issue given its intended demographic of younger urban users. Yadea’s introduction of sodium-ion batteries in this electric scooter positions the company as a leader in the adoption of this innovative battery technology for two-wheeled urban mobility.