Start-Stop Power Supply and Starting Power Supply: Market Status and Technology Evolution
2025-10-20
Start-Stop Power Supply and Starting Power Supply: Market Status and Technology EvolutionA start-stop power supply is a core component specifically designed for vehicle start-stop systems. It automatically shuts off the engine during temporary stops (e.g., at traffic lights) and restarts it quickly when needed, thereby achieving energy savings, emission reduction, and lower operating costs. It is commonly understood as a high-performance "Battery." A starting power supply is primarily used for ignition, starting, and lighting in various motorized equipment, emphasizing instant high-rate discharge capability. While their functions overlap to some extent, start-stop power supplies focus more on system coordination and durability for frequent charge-discharge cycles.Currently, the start-stop/starting power supply market is dominated by lead-acid batteries. In 2024, the market size of lead-acid batteries in China reached 90.54 billion CNY, with the starting power supply segment accounting for approximately 22.481 billion CNY. However, with the deepening trend of electrification, the dominance of lead-acid batteries is being challenged by lithium batteries. It is noteworthy that despite a contraction in the overall market size, the stable demand for starting batteries is supported by the large保有量 of internal combustion engine vehicles. Lead-acid batteries still hold about a 90% market share in this field. Major suppliers include traditional lead-acid companies like Camel, Fengfan, and Tianneng, as well as lithium battery giants such as CATL and BYD.Can Sodium Batteries Become a New Option for the Start-Stop/Starting Market?The start-stop/starting scenario places clear demands on batteries: high cranking current, long cycle life, high safety, and performance across a wide temperature range. Traditional lead-acid batteries suffer from drawbacks such as poor low-temperature performance, short lifespan, and environmental pollution. While lithium batteries offer superior performance, they face challenges like high cost, limited low-temperature performance, and thermal runaway risks. Sodium batteries, leveraging their unique advantages, are emerging as a noteworthy new option:
Safety and Lifespan: Excellent thermal stability and a cycle life of 3,000–5,000 cycles, significantly outperforming lead-acid batteries.
High Rate and Low-Temperature Performance: Capable of supporting high-current discharge and operating in harsh environments as low as -40°C, ensuring reliable cold cranking.
Cost and Environmental Advantages: Abundant sodium resources, no heavy metal pollution, and potential long-term costs lower than lithium batteries.
Currently, companies like CATL, Chaowei, and Tianneng have launched sodium-based start-stop products, achieving application breakthroughs in scenarios like heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. In the first quarter of 2025, the price of sodium batteries entered the range of 0.63–1.23 CNY/Wh, with further cost reductions expected. Estimates suggest the potential substitution market for sodium batteries replacing lead-acid in start-stop applications could reach 183 GWh, indicating broad market prospects.Trends and Challenges: Can Sodium Batteries Truly Replace Lead-Acid?Despite demonstrating a promising balance of performance and cost, the development of sodium batteries still faces challenges related to technological maturity, lack of standardized specifications, and industrial chain support. Lead-acid batteries, with their mature supply chain and low-cost advantages, will likely remain dominant in the short term. However, driven by policy support and technological advancements, sodium batteries are expected to gradually achieve large-scale application in the niche start-stop market, potentially becoming an important supplement or even a long-term replacement for lead-acid batteries.
