←back to thread

Sodium-ion batteries have started to appear in cars and home storage

(cleantechnica.com)
160 points xbmcuser | 2 comments | 23 Oct 25 01:36 UTC | HN request time: 0.417s | source
Show context
briandw ◴[23 Oct 25 05:33 UTC] No.45678460[source]▶
Have a look at The Limiting Factor episode "The Hype and Reality of Sodium Ion Batteries" https://youtu.be/KjiqqafD_0w?si=txe6eODkSiasSylg

It's really well done and digs into all the details on sodium-ion. Lots to like with sodium-ion (charge rate for one) but cost isn't going to be competitive for at least 5 and more likely 10 years.

replies(4): >>45678623 #>>45679094 #>>45680716 #>>45686034 #
CraigJPerry ◴[23 Oct 25 05:59 UTC] No.45678623[source]▶
Haven't watched the episode but the comment about price seems incorrect - CATL announced its pricing at $40 per kwh and said $19 is their target in future, which compares with $65 per kwh today for their li-ion
replies(2): >>45679047 #>>45687691 #
jillesvangurp ◴[23 Oct 25 07:06 UTC] No.45679047[source]▶
They also announced that CATL is starting mass production this December. The long term cost target might be closer to 10$/kwh. That's an unconfirmed rumor that has been circulating that is plausible based on material cost and other factors.

The bottom line is, mass production is starting soon at cost levels that are probably undercutting LFP from day 1. CATL is explicitly targeting use for low end EVs. IMHO this chemistry is also a good match for things like trucks given the long battery lifetime and good enough energy density. Perfect for frequent rapid charging and intensive use in long range trucks.

replies(1): >>45679385 #
dzhiurgis ◴[23 Oct 25 08:00 UTC] No.45679385[source]▶
Watch the video. It’s another 15-20 years until it reaches LFP cost.

$10 figure is completely made up and hyped up by hype influencers .

replies(2): >>45679689 #>>45680246 #
1. ViewTrick1002 ◴[23 Oct 25 10:17 UTC] No.45680246[source]▶
LFP Bess systems are already at ~52/kWh on the lowest end.

https://www.ess-news.com/2025/06/26/china-energy-engineering...

The crashing prices of LFP batteries has been Sodium-ions nemesis the past few years since their entire gambit is using cheaper raw materials while performing good enough for certain applications.

$10/kWh for sodium ion batteries using cheaper raw materials are definitely in reach as given by recent LFP prices.

replies(1): >>45692921 #
2. dzhiurgis ◴[24 Oct 25 10:08 UTC] No.45692921[source]▶
Try comparing averages first. Then look into actual elements used - still requires graphite (cheaper, synthetic one). Finally they have superior charging specs, esp in cold climate - there's no way they'll be sold cheaper than LFP.