JAC has just unveiled the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle that runs on a sodium-ion battery. This means the JAC Yiwei EV is ready to hit the roads, with deliveries starting in January 2024.
The Yiwei EV hatchback comes with a unique cylindrical sodium-ion battery from HiNa Battery in Beijing and JAC’s innovative UE (Unitized Encapsulation) module technology. This tech, structured like a honeycomb, is similar to designs used by other battery companies like CATL and BYD.
JAC, the company behind Yiwei EV, is making waves in the electric vehicle industry. As part of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC), they have ties to Volkswagen Group, which invested in the company in 2020 to tap into China’s growing car market.
However, this move has raised some eyebrows, especially among Volkswagen’s other partners in China, like SAIC and FAW, who have yet to comment on it. Volkswagen has also invested in other Chinese electric vehicle companies, such as Xpeng, with a 700 million USD investment in July 2023.
ALSO READ: Volkswagen Unveils Groundbreaking AI Chatbot Integration for In-Car Conversations at CES 2024
JAC has been working hard on sodium-ion battery research and development. In February 2023, they made headlines by introducing a lithium-free sodium-ion battery in their Sehol E10X hatchback, boasting impressive specs like a 25 kWh capacity, 120 Wh/kg energy density, and fast charging capabilities.
With the launch of the Yiwei EV, JAC is saying goodbye to the Sehol brand and embracing the Yiwei name. While they haven’t officially named the new car yet, it may be a revamped version of the Sehol E10X based on the pictures they’ve released. We’ll have to wait for confirmation from JAC on that front.
ALSO READ: BYD Initiates Building First Sodium-Ion EV Battery Plant
Xia Shunli, chairman of Yiwei, is optimistic about the future of sodium-ion batteries in making electric vehicles more accessible and widespread. With Yiwei EV leading the charge, JAC is poised to impact the electric vehicle market significantly.
Source: CarNewsChina
