Lithium is scarce and expensive. Sodium could also be an alternative for the electric car. But probably not a complete replacement.
The great success of the lithium-ion battery is causing lithium prices to rise. Alternative electrode materials are therefore becoming increasingly attractive. Now, sodium is apparently about to be ready for series production as a functional replacement.
Expensive metal
Like lithium, sodium belongs to the chemical group of alkali metals and therefore has comparable properties. However, the substance contained in normal table salt is much more readily available and correspondingly cheaper than the elaborately mined lithium. Which has also become increasingly expensive in recent years due to the increasing demand, not just in the automotive industry. A trend that should continue for the foreseeable future.
Sodium-ion battery still too weak
Companies such as CATL, Faradion and Natron Energy therefore want to avoid the increase in costs with sodium-ion batteries. It also helps that the new batteries can do without the expensive copper and the controversial cobalt. In terms of performance and energy density, however, the new batteries are currently still significantly inferior to the lithium-ion batteries.
Initially, NaIon batteries should therefore be of interest for less demanding applications. That can be a cheap e-car for the city. Or a stationary storage system for peak load management for alternative energies. In the latter case, too, it would at least indirectly alleviate the price pressure on lithium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries will probably not completely replace their lithium-based relatives.