It is not easy to compete with the economies-of-scale of lithium-ion batteries. But, despite this, there are several solid reasons why sodium-ion battery chemistry could cost less in future.
How Can We Predict Sodium-Ion Batteries Will Cost Less?
Sodium-ion batteries are attracting attention, because of their potential to cost less than many lithium-ion batteries. The savings come mainly from the materials manufacturers use to make them.
Sodium Is More Abundant Than Lithium
We find lithium in relatively few parts of the world, and demand for it has grown rapidly. Sodium, by contrast, is one of Earth’s most abundant elements. We find it in common salt and many other minerals, making it widely available.
A plentiful raw material helps reduce pressure on supply chains, and may keep manufacturing costs more stable too.
Manufacturers Can Use Existing Facilities
Factories should be able to make sodium-ion batteries on production lines, similar to those already in use for lithium-ion batteries, because their structures are similar. Companies may therefor not need to build completely new factories, reducing the cost of introducing the new technology.
This is another solid reason why sodium-ion battery chemistry should become cheaper. As production volumes increase, and manufacturers gain experience, we anticipate costs falling further, making sodium-ion batteries even more competitive.
Lower Sodium Battery Cost Opens New Opportunities
A less expensive sodium-ion battery could make energy storage more affordable for homes, businesses and electricity networks. It could also reduce the cost of smaller electric vehicles, where maximum driving range is less important than dependable performance.
Sodium-Ion Battery Chemistry Cost: One Part Of The Story
We should never judge a battery entirely by its price. Performance, safety, service life and reliability all influence its overall value to us. Different battery chemistries continue to serve different purposes, depending on what we need most.
Where Sodium-Ion Is Already Finding Its Feet
We’ll discover where sodium-ion batteries are finding their first commercial applications in our next article. And why they will complement, rather than replace today’s battery technologies.
More Information From Our Battery Blog
