For now, there are no passenger cars or trucks sold in the United States that use sodium-ion batteries. Some sodium-ion models are available in China and countries that import vehicles from China.
Meanwhile, Argonne notes that stationary energy storage is another ripe market for sodium-ion batteries. Sure enough, over at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory another kind of sodium battery is taking shape, which deploys a combination of aluminum and sodium in the form of a molten salt.
Why are sodium ion batteries so popular?
Sodium-ion batteries also retain charging performance in sub-freezing temperatures, the lab observes. Another factor helping to push sodium-ion batteries into the market at a relatively rapid pace is their compatibility with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing and battery management systems.
One key area of interest is sodium, the earth-abundant ingredient that makes up about 40% of simple table salt. Sodium is heavy, though. So is salt, for that matter. Nevertheless, sodium batteries are relatively inexpensive and free from thorny supply chain issues, and they are beginning to bust into the mainstream market.
Are sodium-ion batteries a good choice for cars?
Prices for cars equipped with sodium-ion batteries have not yet been announced. The New York Times points out that because sodium-ion batteries have lower energy densities, more of them are needed to equal the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries. That means more space is needed for a given amount of energy.
Are battery companies building a sodium ion system?
Most of the push by battery companies to build sodium-ion systems is happening in China, but some of it is happening in other markets, including a plan by California-based Natron Energy to open its first large plant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Will sodium-ion batteries be cheaper than lithium-ion batteries?
The global supply of lithium has grown more quickly than demand since 2022, leading to lower prices. Researchers and analysts expect that sodium-ion batteries will have a cost advantage over lithium-ion in the long run.