Sodium-ion batteries, using salt-based chemistry, could offer a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage.
Dan Gearino reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, announced a new sodium-ion battery with higher energy density, set for mass production by 2027.
- Seven U.S. national labs are investing $50 million in a collaboration to advance sodium-ion technology.
- Sodium-ion batteries are less flammable and perform better in cold temperatures compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Key quote:
“The reason we’re pursuing this is very simple. It’s because the huge demand in lithium-ion batteries has meant that we have a supply-chain constraint.”
— Venkat Srinivasan, director of the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science
Why this matters:
Sodium-ion batteries could reduce reliance on lithium, cobalt and nickel, addressing environmental and geopolitical concerns tied to mining. This technology offers a safer, lower-cost option for EVs, potentially expanding affordable clean energy solutions.
Learn more: Sodium-ion batteries could offer cheaper, greener option over lithium
