Do sodium-ion starter batteries need to be fully charged by alternators?

Since most vehicle alternators are designed for flooded, EFB, or AGM starter batteries, their maximum charging voltage typically does not exceed 14.8V. In hot summers or cold winters, the vehicle's alternator needs to provide negative temperature compensation for the lead-acid starter battery to ensure a longer lifespan. At the same time, the alternator needs to charge the lead-acid starter battery to a fully charged or nearly fully charged state to prevent sulfation. Sulfation can lead to a rapid degradation in the performance of the lead-acid starter battery, ultimately causing battery failure. 

 

To fully charge a sodium-ion starter battery, the alternator would need to output a charging voltage of 15.4V. This shows that sodium-ion starter batteries cannot be fully charged on a vehicle. Will the inability to fully charge the sodium-ion starter battery over time affect vehicle performance or battery life? The answer is NO. The following is a detailed explanation. 

 

1. Sodium-ion starter batteries do not suffer from the "sulfation" problem similar to flooded, EFB, or AGM starter batteries. Failure to fully charge a sodium-ion starter battery will not shorten its lifespan. In fact, when a sodium-ion starter battery is used in a shallow charge-discharge cycle, it will have a longer lifespan than when used in a full charge-discharge cycle. 

 

2. The voltage value of the vehicle's starting battery is typically monitored dynamically by the engine control unit (ECU) or intelligent battery sensor (IBS). When the detected starting battery voltage falls below the vehicle's default value, the alternator immediately recharges the battery. Although the charging voltage range for starting batteries varies slightly among different vehicle manufacturers, generally speaking, the charging voltage for the starting battery is maintained within the range of 13.5V-14.8V. This voltage range will not cause the state of charge (SoC) of the sodium-ion starting battery to be too low, eliminating the risk of being unable to restart the vehicle. 

 

3. Under certain circumstances, if the vehicle's starter battery is suddenly disconnected during charging, there is a risk of load dump, which could damage the vehicle's electronic equipment. For sodium-ion starter batteries with a built-in intelligent battery management system (BMS), when they are overcharged, the BMS will instantly cut off the charging circuit, thus creating a risk of load dump. To avoid the risk of load dump, the most effective measure is to avoid fully charging sodium-ion starter batteries equipped with an intelligent BMS. 

 

Because our sodium-ion starter battery has a full charge voltage of up to 15.4V, it cannot be overcharged under normal alternator operation, and the risk of load dumping will not occur. 

About DEFORD New Power Co., Ltd. 

 

DEFORD New Power Co., Ltd. is committed to design and manufacture advanced, safe and reliable lithium-ion, sodium-ion battery systems. We are veterans of battery industry, and our core team has more than 20 years battery expertise.

 

Thanks to our deep understanding to battery technology, battery management system (BMS), and expertise on mechanics and thermodynamics. With the assistance of our advanced manufacturing facilities and cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES). We do have the ability to guarantee the high quality, safety and reliability of your battery systems. 

For any inquiries about sodium-ion starter batteries, please contact us by info@deford.com.cn.