If you’ve only ever ridden petrol-powered scooters, you might soon find yourself witnessing an innovative shift on the roads. In just a few years, electric scooters powered by salt batteries could become a reality. These scooters won’t use the traditional lithium-ion batteries but will instead be powered by salt-ion batteries derived from sea salt.
Scooters Running on Salt
On the streets of China, you can already spot electric scooters running on sodium-ion batteries made from sea salt. These scooters have become widely popular and are seen everywhere—from stores and offices to metro stations—due to their practicality and fast-charging capabilities. Typically, these electric scooters are priced between $400 and $660 (around ₹35,000 to ₹51,000), making them an affordable choice for many users.
What Powers These Scooters?
Unlike conventional electric scooters that run on lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, these new-generation scooters use sodium-ion batteries. Sodium, an abundant element found in sea salt, is used to create these innovative power sources. This makes the batteries both eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to traditional options.
Live Test Drives in Hangzhou
These advanced scooters were recently tested in front of a shopping mall in Hangzhou, where they were showcased to the public. Special charging stations were installed, enabling the scooters to charge their batteries from 0% to 80% in just 15 minutes, making them incredibly efficient for daily use.
Sodium vs Lithium: A Greener Future
Instead of relying on traditional lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, the next generation of electric scooters is embracing sodium-ion batteries, sourced from natural sea salt. This move not only offers a more cost-effective alternative but also reduces dependence on natural resources, providing a more sustainable future for electric mobility. The company Yadia has already introduced three different models based on this technology, with prices ranging between $400 and $660.
As the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable transportation solutions continues to rise, salt-powered electric scooters may soon become the norm, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more affordable urban mobility.
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