Changan Nevo A06 EV with sodium-ion battery

Yesterday I posted some information about sodium-ion batteries and pondered when we will see them in EVs:

https://bkhome.org/news/202602/when-will-we-see-sodium-ion-batteries-in-evs.html

The first EV to have sodium-ion has been announced, the Changan Nevo A06:

"Changan and CATL unveil world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion passenger EV"
https://carnewschina.com/2026/02/05/changan-and-catl-unveil-worlds-first-mass-produced-sodium-ion-passenger-ev/

...it is being promoted as exceptional in cold climates. Tests have been conducted at Yakeshi, in northern China.

I don't have the link, but there was recently a test of several different EVs somewhere very cold in northern Europe. They were driven until they stopped, and the degradation in range reported. I think the degradation was between 20 and 45%. Ah, found it, it was 24 EVs, and tested in Norway:

"Real-World Range: 24 Electric Vehicles Tested in the Coldest Test on Record"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUDJRF8Kmh4&t=502s

Some points about that degradation: it is not permanent, if temperature rises battery capacity will come up. However, charging a very cold lithium battery can permanently damage it. More information here:

"Understanding Low-Temperature Behavior of LiFePO4 Batteries"
https://www.large-battery.com/blog/low-temperature-performance-lifepo4-batteries/

Quoting, about cell damage:

Capacity loss reached 25% after just 40 cycles at a 0.5C charge rate. Even at 0°C, a single charge cycle at 1C caused a 3.6% irreversible capacity loss in a 7.5 Ah cell.

...1C charge rate is very low. Fast charging would be a disaster.

In the Norway test, the reason that some EVs had better range, would probably be due to the thermal management, warming up the batteries.

I can see EVs with sodium-ion batteries becoming very popular in northern Europe, Russia and Canada.

Low-temperature performance of sodium-ion batteries is great, but there are other advantages over lithium. One of those is safety. Quoting from the link at top of this post:

The Naxtra battery exceeds national standards. Under extreme abuse conditions, including multi-directional extrusion, electric drill penetration, and complete sawing while fully charged, the battery exhibited no smoke, no sensation, no fire, and no explosion, remarkably continuing to discharge normally even after being sawn through.

That mention of "national standards"; the Chinese authorities have raised the bar for battery safety. I don't recall when it comes into effect, early this year I think, all new EVs must have batteries that meet this standard, and CATL's Naxtra sodium-ion battery has been accredited to meet the standard.

Going the other way, high temperatures over 40 degrees C, it is a similar scenario. So in hot climates there might be a market for sodium-ion also.

Fascinating!   

Tags: ethos

A new age of misinformation, augmented by AI

I posted recently that ordered a Bluetti AC70 power box:

https://bkhome.org/news/202601/bluetti-ac70-power-box.html

It has an XT60 socket, to which a solar panel can be connected. I couldn't see in the AC70 documentation whether it is a female or male socket, so I asked Google AI:

The BLUETTI AC70 input charging socket is a female XT60 port, which requires a male XT60 connector on the charging cable (solar or car) to plug in. It is designed to receive power from cables that feature a male-ended XT60 plug.
AC70 Port: Female XT60
Required Cable End: Male XT60
For direct solar connection, you will typically need a PV-to-XT60 cable, where the XT60 end is male.

...Google AI told me this with certainty, so I thought good, and ordered an adaptor cable, "XT60 M to 50A", for my extension cable that has Anderson 50A plugs on both ends:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009437595177.html

After ordering, did a bit more reading and also found a photo showing rubber flap over the XT60 socket lifted, and hey, it is a male socket. Therefore, the adaptor cable needs to be an XT60 female, the opposite of what Google AI told me. The above photo is the XT60 female.

I immediately cancelled the order, and ordered the correct adaptor. The AC70 arrived today, and confirmed my choice is correct.  

Tags: ethos

Report low noise on China roads

I was quite amused by this; "The Australian" media posting something positive about China! The Australian is part of News Corp, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, and well known for extreme right-wing viewpoint. This is the post:

"How China crushed Beijing’s crazy traffic noise"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXA8r9SZatc

The surprise in comments, how come they aren't slagging off on China as usual, actually posting something positive?

Well, yes and no, I think; the journalist does have to be careful. For a start, the guy mentions one million complaints about noise levels. What he doesn't say is how those complaints came about. Obviously, there has to be some mechanism for citizens to contribute opinions to the government. Asking Google AI "How does democracy work in China":

Democracy in China operates under a model termed "whole-process people's democracy," which integrates electoral, consultative, and management processes under the strict, singular leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Unlike Western, multi-party systems, it prioritizes consensus-building, policy implementation, and socioeconomic outcomes over competitive, pluralistic elections.
Key aspects of how this system works include:
Whole-Process People's Democracy: Described as a blend of electoral and consultative democracy, this model claims to ensure public participation in all stages of governance, including legislation and decision-making.
Structure of Governance: The National People's Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power, with members indirectly elected by lower-level congresses. Local people's congresses at the township and county levels are directly elected, but all candidates are subject to CPC oversight.
Consultative Approach: The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) works alongside the NPC to provide policy advice and facilitate dialogue, involving representatives from different sectors of society.
Party Leadership: The CPC maintains a monopoly on political power, with all political opposition illegal. All elections are held under the guidance of the party.
Focus on Performance: This model claims to be effective by focusing on practical, long-term improvements in people's lives and social stability.
The system is designed to avoid the competition seen in Western models, aiming instead for efficiency and representation through "consultation" before, during, and after decision-making.

I have read about the mechanism before, whereby ordinary people can contribute. I presume it is the "NPC" that accumulated the 1 million complaints about noise. The YouTube channel "Gerry's Take on China" has more information about that process.

Another comment in the video, that the pollution is exported to the countryside, and the comment about lots of coal-fired power stations being built. Yes, true, but...

China has enormous energy requirements, and coal-fired power stations are still being built; however, it has reached a plateau. The Chinese government is planning for clean power generation, and solar, wind, thermal, nuclear and hydro generation is ramping up faster than coal. With the long term goal that coal generation will drop and eventually die.

The report did not even mention nuclear. Google AI:

As of early 2026, China has around 59 operating nuclear reactors, placing it second only to the United States, with a significant number (around 28-38) also under construction and many more planned, making it the world's fastest-growing nuclear power market. The country is rapidly expanding its fleet, aiming to significantly boost its nuclear capacity in the coming years to meet rising energy demands, and is a leader in building new reactors and developing advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

...massive expansion. Also there is a thorium nuclear reactor, and there are likely to be many of these in the future -- these are very safe reactors, with radioactive byproducts that decay quickly.

Whatever you might think of the Chinese government, one advantage is that they can plan long-term.   

Tags: ethos

When will we see sodium-ion batteries in EVs?

...and why would we buy one?

There are lots of YouTube videos about sodium-ion batteries developed by CATL with amazing specifications and soon to appear in EVs and stationary storage. For example:

"CATL’s Sodium Battery Mass-Production - Same Energy as LFP, But Lasts 3 Times Longer"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFxUW8S9myk

I asked Google AI what are the disadvantages of sodium-ion batteries, and as usual got misleading information:

Sodium-ion battery disadvantages include lower energy density (making them bulkier for the same power), shorter cycle life/faster degradation due to larger, heavier ions causing more stress on electrodes, slower ion movement, and less mature commercialization/supply chains, though ongoing R&D aims to improve these limitations for cost-sensitive grid storage and low-speed EVs.

..."low-speed EVs"???

Hmmm, OK, ask Google "Advantages of CATL sodium ion batteries":

CATL's sodium-ion batteries offer significant advantages, including lower production costs (potentially 30–40% cheaper than lithium), superior low-temperature performance (over 90% capacity retention at -20°C), and faster charging (80% in 15 minutes). They also provide higher thermal stability, improved safety, and competitive energy densities up to 175 Wh/kg.
Key Advantages of CATL Sodium-Ion Batteries:
Superior Cold-Weather Performance: They operate efficiently in extreme, cold climates, retaining over 90% of their capacity at -20°C, significantly outperforming lithium-ion batteries in winter conditions.
Faster Charging Capability: These batteries can charge to 80% state of charge (SOC) within 15 minutes at room temperature, offering high power density for quick charging applications.
Lower Cost & Abundant Materials: Sodium is much more abundant and cheaper than lithium, reducing dependency on volatile, limited mineral supply chains, which could make them 30–40% cheaper.
High Safety & Stability: Sodium-ion batteries have better thermal stability, reduced fire risks, and improved resistance to over-discharge, making them inherently safer.
Strong Energy Density & Lifecycle: CATL’s next-generation sodium-ion batteries (Naxtra) are achieving energy densities up to 175 Wh/kg—comparable to some Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries—and promise up to 10,000+ cycles, offering a long, durable lifespan for EVs and energy storage.
These batteries are particularly suited for budget-friendly electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, and cold-climate applications.

I asked Google some slightly different questions, and got some wrong answers.

The pro-EV guys haven't mentioned one downside of sodium-ion batteries, the lower efficiency of the charge-discharge cycle. Haven't got the reference now, but I think 85-90%, versus 95% for lithium batteries. Um, maybe that is wrong. I asked Google:

Energy Efficiency (Round Trip): Sodium-ion batteries, in general, offer a high round-trip energy efficiency, with reports indicating up to 92% efficiency.

Another issue is high ambient temperatures. I don't have the figures for lithium batteries, but I recall they struggle, lose capacity, above 40 degrees C. CATLs sodium-ion, on the other hand, asking Google:

CATL's sodium-ion batteries, particularly the next-generation Naxtra series, exhibit exceptional high-temperature performance, reliably operating in environments up to +70°C. These batteries feature improved thermal stability, allowing for consistent power output and reduced reliance on intensive cooling systems compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Key high-temperature performance characteristics include:
Operating Range: Rated for operation between -40°C and +70°C, making them suitable for extreme climates.
Thermal Safety: The chemistry is designed to maintain structural stability at high temperatures, with Naxtra batteries passing rigorous safety certifications (GB 38031-2025).
Performance Stability: The batteries maintain high efficiency and, according to YouTube video, do not exhibit the same performance penalties found in conventional lithium-based chemistries in high heat.
Reduced Cooling Needs: Their robust nature at high temperatures may allow for simplified, lighter battery pack designs (less cooling infrastructure) in electric vehicles.

Google says this about lithium-iron batteries:

High-temperature operation (typically >40°C) in lithium-ion batteries boosts initial power output and reduces internal resistance but rapidly accelerates aging, resulting in significant capacity fade and shorter cycle life. Prolonged heat causes electrolyte decomposition, electrolyte-electrode interface instability, and severe degradation (e.g., 50% life loss at 45°C.

This is very interesting. A battery that works in extreme temperature ranges, won't explode, and will last for over 5 million kilometres, something to look forward to in EVs. Apparently, we will be seeing these EVs on the road in China very soon, Q2 2026.   

Tags: ethos

Solar panels last 40+ years, turbines recycled

I am regularly encountering misinformation about renewable energy, from certain media outlets, and individuals who have either been hoodwinked, or are deliberately spreading misinformation. I try to ignore it, just move on, live a peaceful life without becoming upset.

Anyway, today discovered some very interesting information...

I have previously posted about misinformation regarding solar panels, that they break in hailstorms,  become landfill. Regarding hail, if panels are installed in hailstorm-prone locations, it is just a matter of installing panels certified to withstand the hail. Just from memory, I think panels available in Australia are certified for 25cm (1 inch) diameter hail. But, panels are available that will withstand up to 40-50cm.

At end of life, panels do not have to become landfill; they can be, and are, recycled. Some countries are doing this better than others.

Up until now, I thought that end-of-life is 25 years. However, that is the warranty period of most panels. As this link explains, they can retain 70-80% capacity after 40 years:

Cr*p, lost the link. I went back to the facebook page in the browser, but Facebook refreshed and changed everything. Searched, found it:

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=796483793489045&set=a.225464080591022

Also lost the link that explains modern wind turbine blades can now be recycled. Hmm, anyway, yes, various blade manufacturers are committing to recyclable blades. Ah, found it:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1348560127312032&set=pb.100064741718845.-2207520000

Great things happening with batteries also, that has to be another post.   

Tags: ethos

More EV misinformation from mainstream media

A couple of months ago, I posted about mainstream media misinformation:

"Coordinated misinformation in mainstream media"
https://bkhome.org/news/202501/coordinated-misinformation-in-mainstream-media.html

Sam has had to contend with another attack, that he has posted about a few days ago:

"Channel 7 Lies Exposed: The Truth About My EV Fight with Australian Media"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwfTZrzAx2c&t=910s

This is all very sad. You guys in the USA would know all about this; bias one way or another, depending on what media outlets you read and watch.

We have it here in Australia also. Often it is almost subliminal. I have become aware of our ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), despite claims of impartiality, slipping in biased messages. For example, when reporting on China, they won't say something like "The Chinese government,,,", instead will say "The communist Chinese government...". Of course they know that "communist" is an emotive word.

I could keep on writing and writing on this topic. Anyway, thought I would just report on this latest attack that Sam has to put up with.  

Tags: ethos

Coordinated misinformation in mainstream media

I have posted about this plenty of times in the "ethos" tag of my blog. I was reminded a few days ago of what major organizations get up to, this video posted by "The Electric Viking":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yockrXllJRE

He is quite brave, an individual guy making these statements. It doesn't matter if he is telling the truth; the truth doesn't have much to do with it if challenged by a huge organization with enormous legal team and deep pockets.

Sky News has been prosecuted for "misleading information", but it seems that they just pay the fine, then don't change. Or so it seems to me. One thing I have noticed is that Sky News is quite cunning, or again so it seems to me; they will interview someone who fits their agenda. That's cunning, because it is not Sky News saying it directly, just the interviewees opinion.

This for example, one of their pet "experts":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZytIe1qaA40

...quite a few statements made there, that I would contend are misleading, but just picking out one; that Chinese solar panels are "garbage".

Actually, yes, the Chinese make solar panels for many different types of buyers, probably including questionable quality. Panels that are used in Australian commercial or industrial projects must meet Australian standards. They are tested in Australia and certified to meet the standard. There are Chinese panels that meet the standards, right up to standards not yet formalized officially in Australia. In other words, the panels are of very high quality.

The minimum requirement is that the glass must withstand "golf ball size hail", and I think from online reading that usually means 25mm (1 inch) diameter. However, the standards go up from there, see here:

https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2024/10/26/__trashed/

Recent Australian solar projects have featured bifacial panels with 2 mm-thick front and rear glass. Typically certified to minimum International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test standards, for 25 mm ice ball resistance, they can usually pass 35 mm hail impact tests. Severe Australian hailstorms have always had 35 mm-plus hailstones and climate change means such events are more frequent and more damaging.

Some laboratories have introduced more stringent, bespoke tests beyond minimum IEC requirements. As a result, some manufacturers are offering customised bill of materials featuring 2.5 mm glass front and rear. This increased glass thickness comes with a weight penalty, but in many cases, the modules can pass a 45 mm hail impact test.

Manufacturers have also released “hail- resistant” modules with 3.2 mm front glass and either 2 mm or 1.6 mm rear glass that can pass 50 mm, and in some cases 55 mm hail impact tests.

Sky News and their pet expert are attacking the green revolution, but the building of solar panels on agricultural land, or using panels that meet appropriate standards for hail expected in the area, are administrative issues.

Yes, if what the interviewee states, that approvals have been bull-dozed through without proper consideration, then he has a point. But again, it comes down to an administrative issue. Any authorities doing the wrong thing should be attacked, not Chinese solar panels, nor the green revolution. The project should be built on degraded land not prime agricultural, and solar panels must be certified to withstand extreme hail events expected in the region.

Awhile back, I was reading about world-leading hail-resistant solar panels made in China. Just now doing a quick search... Chinese SunTech panels are certified to withstand 45mm diameter hail, and are sold here in Australia:

https://www.solarquotes.com.au/panels/suntech-review.html

In testing, Suntech panels withstand impacts from 45mm hail travelling at 30.7m/s (111km/h).  This is superior to many panels which are only certified to withstand 25mm hail travelling at 23m/s (83km/h).

I don't normally watch Sky News; however, stumbled upon the above on YouTube, watched most of it, and it just reconfirmed what I already know about them. The host, the interviewer; to me she looks "sly". I got caught by the click-bait title. Of course, everything posted above is just my opinion; make what you want of it -- that's my disclaimer.    

Tags: ethos