What are the standard specifications of automotive-grade NCM sodium-ion cylindrical cells?

Your project needs exact battery specifications. Guessing on performance is a risky and costly mistake. We provide clear, standardized data to ensure your product succeeds from the very start.

Standard specs for automotive-grade NCM sodium-ion cells include a nominal voltage around 3.0V and an energy density of 140-160 Wh/kg. They also feature low internal resistance and a cycle life exceeding 2000 cycles.

These numbers aren’t just for datasheets. They translate into real-world performance for our clients’ vehicles.

There was a case with a new partner in Poland. They were developing a new e-scooter, and their team was moving very fast to meet a deadline. Their initial frame design had a battery compartment that was just 2mm too short for the required cell configuration—a tiny miscalculation on their 3D model.

Before they sent that design for expensive mold production, we provided them with our detailed technical drawings. Our spec sheet included not just the battery dimensions, but also the required clearance tolerances for wiring and thermal expansion. Their lead engineer caught the discrepancy when he compared our drawing with his model. A simple adjustment saved them from producing thousands of unusable frames. He later told me that our thorough specs prevented what would have been a fifty-thousand-dollar mistake.

What is the nominal voltage and capacity range for 40160-type sodium-ion cells?

A cell’s size and chemistry define its core electrical properties. Let’s break down the important numbers for the popular 40160 cylindrical cell format, which is gaining traction.

A typical 40160-type NCM sodium-ion cell¹ has a nominal voltage² of 3.0V. Its capacity generally ranges from 12Ah to 16Ah, depending on the specific anode and cathode materials used.

These two values, voltage and capacity, are the foundation for designing any battery pack. Understanding them helps our assembly factory clients match the battery perfectly to their controllers and motors.

Understanding Nominal Voltage

Nominal voltage is the average voltage of the battery during discharge. For NCM sodium-ion, this is typically 3.0V. This is different from most lithium-ion cells, which are around 3.6V or 3.7V. This difference is critical when designing the electronics for a vehicle.

Capacity (Ah) Explained

Capacity, measured in Amp-hours (Ah), tells you how much charge the battery can store. A 12Ah cell can deliver a current of 12 amps for one hour. Or it can deliver 1 amp for 12 hours. Higher capacity means longer runtime.

Why the 40160 Size?

The name "40160" describes the cell’s physical dimensions: 40mm in diameter and 160mm in length. This larger format is becoming popular for several reasons. It simplifies pack assembly because you need fewer cells. It also helps with thermal management.

How does internal resistance affect starting performance?

A battery’s ability to deliver instant power is critical. This all comes down to one key factor: internal resistance³. Let’s look at how this property works.

Lower internal resistance allows for higher current flow with less voltage drop. This provides the powerful, instant torque needed for vehicle starting. It directly improves acceleration and responsiveness.

For our e-bike clients, this means a snappy, responsive feel when the rider starts pedaling. For larger vehicles, it means reliable starting, even on a cold day.

What is Internal Resistance?

Think of internal resistance as a bottleneck in a pipe. A smaller bottleneck (lower resistance) allows more water (current) to flow through easily. In a battery, low internal resistance means power can get out quickly and efficiently. Our sodium-ion cells are designed to keep this resistance extremely low.

The Voltage Drop Problem

When you draw a lot of current from a battery, the voltage temporarily drops. The amount of drop is determined by the internal resistance (Voltage Drop = Current x Resistance). If the resistance is too high, the voltage can drop so much that the vehicle’s controller shuts down.

Performance in the Cold

Resistance increases as the temperature drops. This is why some vehicles struggle to start in the winter. A key advantage of our sodium-ion cells is that their internal resistance is less affected by cold than many lithium-ion types. This results in much better cold-weather performance⁴.

What are the energy density differences between sodium-ion and lithium-ion cylindrical cells?

Energy density is a very important metric. It determines how much range a vehicle can get from a certain size or weight of battery. Let’s compare sodium-ion and lithium-ion directly.

Lithium-ion cells currently lead in energy density⁵, typically at 250-270 Wh/kg. Automotive-grade sodium-ion cells offer a very practical energy density of around 140-160 Wh/kg, with a clear path for future improvements.

While the number for sodium-ion is lower, it doesn’t tell the whole story. For many applications, the benefits of lower cost and higher safety are more important than maximum energy density.

Gravimetric vs. Volumetric Density

It is important to know the two types of energy density.

• Gravimetric Energy Density⁶ (Wh/kg): This is the energy stored per unit of mass. It is most important for applications where weight is critical, like performance e-bikes.
• Volumetric Energy Density⁷ (Wh/L): This is the energy stored per unit of volume. It matters when space is limited.

The "Good Enough" Principle

For many of our B2B clients, especially those making city commuter e-bikes or scooters, an energy density of 160 Wh/kg is more than enough. It provides ample range for daily use. They prefer to gain the advantages of lower cost, longer cycle life⁸, and superior safety.

How is cycle life measured for automotive sodium-ion cells?

We promise our batteries will last. But how do we prove it? The method for measuring cycle life is standardized and rigorous across the industry. Let’s explain the process.

Cycle life is measured by repeatedly charging and discharging the cell under controlled conditions until its capacity drops to 80% of its initial value. For automotive use, this is typically done at a 1C rate.

When we give a cycle life number to a client, whether they are a repair shop or a large distributor, they know it is based on this consistent and repeatable testing standard.

Defining a "Cycle"

One cycle is defined as one full charge followed by one full discharge. For example, charging the cell from 0% to 100% and then discharging it back down to 0%.

The 80% Capacity Threshold

A battery’s capacity naturally fades over time. The 80% mark is the industry standard for the "end-of-life" (EOL) of a vehicle battery. At this point, the battery is still very usable, but for automotive range calculations, it is considered to have completed its primary service life.

Key Testing Conditions

To get an accurate and fair measurement, the test conditions must be strictly controlled. Any changes to these parameters can dramatically affect the cycle life number. Our quality control team monitors these factors constantly.

Conclusion

Standard NCM sodium-ion specs show a technology ready for the market. It balances strong performance, high safety, and cost-effectiveness for our B2B partners’ demanding needs.