Will Lamborghini use sodium-ion batteries for its first EV?

While one would expect a luxury carmaker like Lamborghini to bet on solid-state technology for its debut in the electric supercar market, the Italian carmaker ordered a study at Princeton University to investigate sodium-ion chemistries. The results are promising. 

As sodium-ion chemistries don’t rely on lithium, they are a cost-effective alternative to current lithium-ion battery generations. One year ago, the first cars with sodium-ion batteries (from Farasis Energy) hit the showrooms in China.

Limited commercial viability

The Yiwei and JMEV are small, budget-friendly city cars, miles away from the exorbitant GTs Lamborghini makes. This is logical because sodium ions cope with a low energy density as a trade-off, limiting their commercial viability.

Traditional sodium-ion batteries struggle with lower energy storage capabilities and slower charge times, making them less attractive for high-performance applications like EVs.

However, Princeton University researchers, funded by the Italian sports carmaker, have announced a significant breakthrough in battery technology. They unveiled a new high-energy sodium-ion cathode that could outperform traditional lithium-ion batteries. 

The Princeton team, led by Professor Mircea Dincă, has developed a layered organic cathode material called bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone (TAQ). It reportedly delivers superior energy and power densities.

According to the researchers, this innovation represents a significant step toward making sodium-ion batteries commercially viable with cheaper and more environmentally friendly components.

Energy density on par

Dincă’s team previously introduced a lithium-ion battery utilizing TAQ and has since been working on adapting and optimizing the material for sodium-based systems. Their latest findings have been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

According to the study, by integrating TAQ with a conductive binder made of carbon nanotubes, the Princeton team has enhanced electron transport within the electrode, leading to nearly 100% active material utilization.

This structural advancement enables an energy density exceeding 600 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), positioning the new sodium-ion battery as a serious competitor to leading lithium-ion and future solid-state solutions.

The material also exhibits impressive stability under various conditions, further strengthening its commercial potential. “The more energy density you have, the farther your car goes before you have to recharge it,” said Dincă.

“We’ve answered quite emphatically that the new material we developed has the largest energy density, certainly on a per kilogram basis, and competes with the best materials out there even on a volumetric basis.”

First electric Lamborghini in 2029

The most significant advantage of sodium-ion technology is the abundance and accessibility of sodium. Unlike lithium, which has supply chain vulnerabilities and price volatility, sodium is widely available and inexpensive. This factor makes them a sustainable alternative and an economically attractive option for automakers.

It’s still surprising that a luxury car brand shows interest in a mainstream solution for electric mobility, as they can more easily pass on the surcharge of innovative technologies to their customer base.

But the breakthrough demonstrates how research in battery chemistries is building up its potential to grow out of its infancy phase and become a genuine game-changer as it matures. 

Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed that the brand’s first battery-powered car, previewed by the Lanzador, has been delayed to 2029, three years after Ferrari.