Lithium batteries are subject to regional restrictions in the access rules, but the country will adjust them according to the number of production and sales during the trial period. Our reporter Zhao Weishe

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has recently launched a roadmap for the development of new energy vehicles. It is worth noting that lithium-ion battery electric vehicles, which are generally viewed by the industry, have fallen behind the nickel-metal hydride battery hybrid and are demarcated at a development stage.

Ni-MH battery enters "fast lane"

The reporter Zheng Zheng reported

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a road map for the development of new energy vehicles, and the new energy sedan will be on the road.

On the evening of June 25, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the “Regulations on the Management of New Energy Vehicle Production Enterprises and Product Access” (hereinafter referred to as the “Regulations”), which will be implemented on July 1. The "Rules" have refined the products of the three technical stages of new energy vehicles. The new access system provides more specific regulations for the development and operation of different types of new energy vehicles.

"The introduction of the "Rules" will promote the development of new energy vehicles, make it clear that new energy vehicles can be used on the road, and will be very beneficial for large-scale promotion in the future." Xiao Chengwei, battery expert for expert group on energy saving and new energy vehicle major projects of the Chinese 863 Program In an interview with a reporter from the "China Sankei Shimbun", he said first.

In the "Regulations", fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen engine vehicles and DME vehicles are listed in the start-up period; hybrid passenger cars powered by lithium ion battery, commercial vehicles and pure electric vehicles are in the development phase; Lead-acid batteries and nickel-hydrogen hybrid passenger cars are listed as mature.

It is worth noting that lithium-ion battery electric vehicles, which have been generally favored by the industry, have fallen behind the nickel-metal hydride battery hybrid and have been designated for development.

Why does the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology position NiMH batteries to mature products? Xiao Chengwei analyzed that the current nickel-metal hydride power battery of Japan's PEVE exceeds one million vehicles. From a technical perspective, the technology of nickel-metal hydride batteries is mature. Although China and Japan are relatively immature, there are still some gaps in terms of battery packs and other aspects. However, the overall technology is mature and therefore mature.

At present, most domestic hybrid car manufacturers such as Chang Anjiexun, Chery A5, FAW Pentium, and General Grand Hyatt use nickel-metal hydride batteries. The use of lithium batteries is dominated by some Japanese manufacturers and BYD.

Industry insiders are concerned that lithium-ion powered vehicles under the “Regulations” can only be sold and used within the approved regions, scope, terms and conditions, which will greatly affect the development speed of lithium-battery vehicles and will, to a certain degree, affect vehicle manufacturers’ The enthusiasm for research and development of lithium battery vehicles is not conducive to the development of the lithium battery automotive industry.

Xiao Chengwei believes that at present, although these enterprises may be restricted by the regional access restrictions for lithium battery products, the country will adjust the number of production and sales of the technology in the trial process of the market, whether it is existing The start-up period is still a period of development. It cannot be a continuous state.

After investigation, the reporter found that nickel-metal hydride batteries were positioned for mature products, resulting from the unique advantages.

First, nickel-hydrogen mineral resources are abundant; followed by many domestic manufacturers, there are more than 100 private companies that make nickel-metal hydride batteries in Guangdong alone; and secondly, compared with lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries are characterized by high safety and are not prone to explosion. .

However, from an objective point of view, nickel-metal hydride batteries also have some “constraints”: the refining technology is not mature enough and the cost is too high. There is also a major hidden danger that once it is widely promoted, it will face recovery problems in the future.

"As soon as the power battery is on the market, future recycling is definitely a big problem. For the future recovery of nickel-metal hydride batteries, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Science and Technology are all considering this. I think the country will gradually come out with some policies and guidance." Xiao Chengwei told reporters.

For the industry's view that NiMH battery cars are considered mainstream after the "Regulations" were issued, senior automotive commentator Jia Xinguang said in an interview with a reporter from the "China Sankei Shimbun" that in the guidelines, it has not been determined that nickel-metal hydride batteries are the mainstream. Product, this is the manufacturer's own opinion.

Observers here have analyzed that at present, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has introduced the “New Regulations” to define a development roadmap for new energy vehicles. This roadmap will eventually become the best “catalyst” for China’s new energy industry restructuring, and it will take time. To verify. However, for the Chinese auto industry, it is in the rare opportunity of catching up with the world's auto industry. It is particularly important to grasp this opportunity.