Sodium-ion batteries, as a more economical alternative to the widely popular lithium-ion batteries, use sodium ions (Na+) instead of lithium ions (Li+) to transfer charge. Sodium is a silvery, soft alkaline metal that is abundant in nature, found in sources like seawater and the earth's crust. The working principle of sodium-ion batteries is very similar to that of lithium-ion batteries, and more and more people are starting to choose sodium-ion batteries.

As early as 2021, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.) launched the first-generation sodium-ion battery with the highest energy density in China and even the world at 160Wh/kg, drawing significant attention in the battery industry.

So, what are the advantages of sodium-ion batteries? And how do they differ from lithium-ion batteries?

Advantages of sodium ion battery

It is well known that sodium-ion batteries have a limited energy density and a shorter lifespan compared to lithium batteries. However, with the advancement of technology, sodium-ion batteries have demonstrated unique advantages in multiple aspects that cannot be ignored. Especially in terms of resource richness, cost-effectiveness and security:

● Rich in resources and evenly distributed globally

Sodium resources are more abundant than lithium resources and are evenly distributed, reducing the reliance on lithium mines and ensuring the stability of the global supply chain. Sodium salts (such as sodium chloride) are widespread and inexpensive, reducing the production cost of sodium-ion batteries and making them particularly suitable for resource-poor areas.

● Cost advantage

The production cost of sodium-ion batteries is approximately 30% lower than that of lithium batteries, making them suitable for cost-sensitive applications such as large-scale energy storage and low-cost electric vehicles. With the expansion of production scale, costs will be further reduced, enhancing market competitiveness.

● Higher security

Sodium-ion batteries are less likely to form lithium dendrites, reducing the risks of short circuits and fires. Meanwhile, it has good thermal stability, can work stably in high-temperature environments, enhance safety, and is suitable for high-demand application scenarios.

● Environmental friendliness

The production and recycling processes of sodium-ion batteries have a relatively small environmental impact, offer more abundant sodium resources, and have a lower carbon footprint, providing support for the sustainable energy transition. In the future, they will play a significant role in the field of environmental protection.

● Charging speed and temperature adaptability

Sodium-ion batteries perform exceptionally well in high-temperature environments and are adaptable to extreme conditions. In addition, the charging speed and high-power discharge capacity are constantly improving, narrowing the gap with lithium batteries and meeting the demand for fast charging.

The difference between sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries have demonstrated huge market potential due to their abundant resources, low cost, safety and environmental protection advantages. Despite their relatively short energy density and lifespan, sodium-ion batteries are expected to complement lithium batteries with technological advancements, especially in large-scale energy storage and low-cost electric transportation. They will play a significant role in the global energy transition in the future.