Plus, lithium is the least dense metal known to science, which makes it by default lighter than sodium. Given that weight is a crucial factor in an EV\u2019s energy consumption and, in turn, range, the heavier sodium-ions have seemed like a less suitable option.<\/p>\n
Three reasons why sodium has nevertheless sparked interest<\/h3>\n
1. It\u2019s abundant<\/strong><\/p>\n Sodium is a common element that\u2019s usually mined from soda ash, but it can basically be found anywhere, including in seawater \u2014 and we have plenty of it.<\/p>\n According to the Faraday Institution<\/a>, sodium is the seventh most abundant element and 1,200 times more common than lithium, while it\u2019s more evenly distributed around the world. <\/span><\/p>\n 2. It\u2019s cheaper<\/strong><\/p>\n Sodium\u2019s abundance naturally makes it a less expensive option. It also costs less to extract and purify it.<\/p>\n Plus, sodium-ion cells can be made with ample metals such as iron and manganese. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries require cobalt, a metal with limited geological reserves that\u2019s also the most expensive part of the battery, priced at approximately $28,500<\/a> per ton.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to that, sodium-based cells can be manufactured using existing battery equipment, so they wouldn\u2019t require costly redesigns to be put in production.<\/p>\n 3. It\u2019s safer<\/strong><\/p>\n Sodium batteries not only perform better at a wider temperature range (especially in cold environments), but are nonflammable and there\u2019s no thermal runaway \u2014 which can usually cause lithium-ion batteries to catch fire. <\/span><\/p>\n Safety risks are also reduced during transit. Manufacturers can transport sodium-ion batteries with the battery terminals directly connected and the voltage held at zero.<\/p>\n In contrast, lithium-ions batteries need to be transported in a partially charged state to avoid the dissolution of the copper current collectors they contain, which in turn increases the risk of fire.<\/p>\n In July, Chinese battery company CATL unveiled<\/a> its first-generation sodium-ion battery, with plans to ramp up the sodium supply chain by 2023. <\/span><\/p>\n CATL\u2019s product is expected to have an energy density of 160Wh\/kg and will take 15 minutes to reach 80% of its charge. That\u2019s actually on par with lithium-ion batteries currently on the market, ranging from 140 Wh\/kg to 240Wh\/kg<\/a> in the highest-end types. <\/span><\/p>\n The company also plans to use its AB battery pack solution which will integrate both sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells. <\/span><\/p>\nThe best EV sodium-ion example we have so far<\/h3>\n
![\"sodium](\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2021\/11\/20210729173256_72wrrvhxcv.jpeg\")