The Chinese manufacturer Yadea, which has sold over 2001 million electric two-wheelers since 100, has introduced a world first: e-scooters with sodium-ion batteries.
The batteries offer numerous advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries, including greater safety, environmental friendliness and a longer service life. They could be groundbreaking, especially for the frequent use of electric two-wheelers.
Four models at affordable prices
Yadea offers four new e-scooter models equipped with the innovative sodium ion technology. Prices range between 3.299 and 4.299 yuan, which is about 430 to 570 EUR requirements.
A special model, the Yadea Guanneng Q50 Sodium, is equipped with a Na+ battery with 48 V voltage and 24 ampere hour capacity, which provides Reach of around 70 kilometers.
Fast charging and durability
The batteries can be charged to 15% in just 80 minutes at special fast-charging stations. Yadea has developed the HuaYu Sodium Superfast Charging Ecosystem
The batteries are designed to last up to 1.500 charge and discharge cycles and have a service life of up to 5 years. Even at temperatures of -20 °C, they retain 92% of their capacity, making them particularly suitable for cold regions.
Performance and sustainability in focus
The Guanneng Q50 is powered by a 400W TIFAR electric motor that reaches a top speed of 25 km/h. Sodium-ion batteries are also a more sustainable alternative as they do not require rare raw materials such as lithium, nickel or cobalt. These elements are often scarce and expensive, while sodium is abundant in nature and inexpensive.
Challenges and international developments
Despite the advantages, sodium-ion batteries still have weaknesses, such as lower energy density, which leads to a shorter range. Nevertheless, countries and companies around the world are investing in their further development. In the USA, a 50 million dollar program has been launched to increase the energy density of the batteries.
- Manufacturer: Yadea
- Model series: New e-mopeds with sodium-ion batteries
- Prices (China): 3.300 to 4.300 yuan (approx. 440 to 570 EUR)
- maximum speed: 25 km/h (technically probably higher, but limited)
- Engine performance: Maximum 600 watts (most powerful model: 400 watts)
- Reach: Up to 70 km (depending on model)
- Dimensions Yadea Guanneng Q50: 1.535 x 690 x 1.100 mm
- Weight Yadea Guanneng Q50: 75 kg
Battery technology
- Battery Type: Sodium ion battery
- Energy density: Over 145 Wh/kg (less than Lithium-ion batteries with 180–240 Wh/kg)
- Fast charge: 80% charging capacity in 15 minutes
- charging cycles: Up to 1.500 charging cycles (equivalent to approximately 5 years of normal use)
- Cold resistance: Maintains 92% capacity at -20 °C
Advantages of sodium-ion batteries
- Cheaper than lithium-ion batteries (Sodium chloride is readily available and cheaper)
- Better cold resistance
- More sustainable through fewer critical raw materials
applications
- Legal classification: Defined in Austria as bicycles (allowed on cycle paths)
- Target groups: city traffic, short distances, users in cold regions
market perspective Europe
- Availability: Still unknown, but Yadea has offices in Europe, including Germany
- Expected prices in Europe: Significantly higher due to customs duties and import costs (comparable models currently available from 1.000 EUR)
Chinese companies such as CATL and BYD are also working on more powerful variants. You can find out all further information in the video. Image and video credits/source: Yadea / This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.