Indi Energy is back with the thirteenth edition of “Sodium-ion Batteries Technology Updates.”

Indi Energy, a DRDO 3.0 and National Startup Award winner is an energy storage startup from India developing and commercializing sodium ion batteries. Through this thirteenth edition of “Sodium ion batteries technology updates” we are bringing to you the recent developments in the world of energy storage technology. 

How can we boost EV adoption?

If the government makes the inclusion of battery prices in financing and insurance costs mandatory, will it boost the adoption of electric vehicles? It’s an intriguing thought, isn’t it? We have observed that the primary reason given by financing institutions for not financing and insuring the battery costs is, first of all, the initial cost being high, which makes the loan amount less lucrative. Secondly, the institutions mention that the battery’s value depreciates quickly, potentially impacting the collateral value of the financed vehicle.

Another reason for not financing is that battery technology is evolving so rapidly that there is a risk of financing outdated technology. Other issues may include a high risk of insurance, uncertainty in battery resale value, and government subsidies. Although these reasons are valid, Indi Energy has an extremely viable solution, which is to replace the expensive lithium-ion infrastructure with sodium-ion technology. This change will mitigate the risk of damage from lithium-ion batteries, while the longer life cycle and comparatively cheaper cost of sodium-ion batteries work in our favor. It sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?

What are the potential sources of battery-grade hard carbon?

Hard carbon is currently one of the most potent anode materials for sodium ion batteries and is experiencing a demand surge in the industry due to its high reversibility during sodiation and desodiation, ensuring long-term stability.

Derived from low-cost and abundant sources like bio-waste, hard carbon is cost-effective for large-scale manufacturing of energy storage devices. Its tunable pore structure enhances sodium-ion diffusion, optimizing electrochemical performance as well. Hard carbon’s high specific capacity allows it to achieve impressive energy density in sodium ion batteries, and its low voltage hysteresis reflects efficient energy storage in sodium-ion technology. The material’s thermal stability enhances battery safety by reducing the risk of overheating and thermal runaway reactions. 

In Indi Energy’s sodium ion batteries and customizable sodium ion battery packs, we utilize one of the world’s highest-performing hard carbons, BioBlack, which is derived purely from bio and agricultural waste. Research is already underway at Indi Energy to further improve performance and cyclic stability to make hard carbon a practical choice for all commercialized sodium-ion batteries.

Do sodium-ion batteries produce the least amount of toxic gases in the event of a battery fire?

The answer is yes! Sodium-ion batteries produce the least amount of toxic gases in the event of a battery fire because of two inherent properties of sodium ion technology. The prime reason is a less toxic composition, and secondly, we have a lack of thermal runaway.

Lead-acid batteries release toxic and corrosive hydrogen gas because of the sulfuric acid in their electrolyte, and they contain environmentally harmful lead plates. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, utilize flammable organic electrolytes, releasing toxic gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during a thermal runaway or fire. 

In contrast, sodium ion batteries typically use less toxic or non-toxic materials, such as sodium, contributing to a reduced risk of toxic gas release. Sodium-ion batteries have their own safety considerations, like the choice of materials and chemistry involved, which can enhance overall safety, emphasizing the importance of continuous research and development in battery technologies to ensure safer energy storage solutions.

In a recent speech by Mr. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, he said that in the next five to six years, the energy sector in India will see an investment of $67 billion. This is great news for the energy production, distribution, and storage sectors. One may call it a coincidence, but at Indi Energy, we take it as a sign that reflects our commitment as a homegrown start-up to set an example for upcoming entrepreneurs, especially those in the energy sector. 

After completing ground-breaking research in sodium ion technology for energy storage, we are inviting partnerships with industries, investors, and manufacturers to take the lead and incorporate our revolutionizing products to make their businesses better and overhaul electric storage systems.

At Indi Energy, we are not just aiming for innovation but for global accessibility. Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or through our contact page. Share your thoughts and expertise, and we promise you we will collectively overcome the obstacles and set off on a path to a sodium-ion-powered future.