Niu: Sodium batteries to limit price increases
This page is translated from the original post "Niu : des batteries au sodium pour limiter la hausse des prix" in French.
- 19/08/2022 12:30
The Niu scooters equipped with a sodium battery should not regress in terms of range.
Faced with rising lithium costs, Niu is looking for alternative solutions and is notably investing in sodium-ion batteries. Less expensive to produce, these are slightly heavier but offer a range comparable to that of lithium-ion batteries. The first Niu two-wheelers with a sodium battery will hit the market in 2023.
Similar to many manufacturers currently, Niu is increasing the prices of its scooters to maintain its margin. In April, the Chinese company raised its prices by an average of 7%, justifying this choice with the increase in raw material costs. According to Li Yan, Niu’s CEO, the increase was even higher among competing manufacturers, who reportedly raised their prices by 9 to 15%.
The Return of Lead Batteries
Meanwhile, Niu is exploring other alternatives. In addition to studying lithium iron phosphate, the manufacturer is also turning to lead batteries, which are already available on some models. According to Li Yan, this technology has significantly advanced over the past two years. Much more financially attractive, lead batteries are, however, more polluting. Moreover, scooters equipped with this type of battery are not eligible for the ecological bonus in France.
Niu is not the only company betting on sodium to reduce its dependence on lithium. Chinese manufacturer CATL, which supplies batteries for many electric vehicles, has made the same choice. It plans to market its sodium batteries starting next year.
Although it makes most of its turnover in China, Niu is also well represented internationally. In France, it finished the first half of the year with 609 electric scooter registrations.
Read also: Review MQi GT Evo: Does the Most Powerful Niu Live Up to Its Promises?
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
