One of the main obstacles to the democratization of electric cars is the cost of their batteries. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries provide the beginning of an answer, but another, even more affordable solution is likely to emerge in the near future: sodium batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries differ from traditional batteries in that they do not contain lithium, unlike LFP batteries, which are already cheaper than the more common NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) batteries. Indeed, although there is enough lithium on the planet, we are seeing a very significant increase in demand, which will lead to an increase in the price of this raw material.

Sodium batteries: the perfect solution?

That is why sodium-ion batteries may well become a solution to overcome the problems associated with lithium in the forced electrification of the automotive sector. But are they really viable?

Sodium is similar to lithium, both elements belong to the same group of alkali metals with similar properties. In a battery, sodium ions flow between the cathode and the anode and generate electricity in exactly the same way as in a lithium battery.

But it has sodium some advantages. For example, it is less rare than lithium: sodium is actually the sixth most abundant material on the planet, and therefore has a lower cost than lithium. Sodium batteries do not require rare metals and are easier to recycle, which makes them more environmentally friendly: what “greener” electric cars are. They are also safer than lithium batteries and reduce the risk of fire, while performing better in cold weather and charging faster.

There are still sodium batteries some disadvantagessuch as lower energy density than their lithium-powered counterparts, or even greater mass.

Sodium batteries: when in electric cars?

But the development of sodium-ion technology has improved in recent years, and some players such as CATL (with the Ener-Q battery brand) are ready to produce sodium batteries with competitive features with lithium LFPs.

Sodium batteries cannot radically replace all lithium batteries, but they may be reasonable for certain purposes, including to reduce the prices of electric cars : they actually require smaller batteries because they require less autonomy for urban use.

Various manufacturers are already exploring sodium batteries, such as Sehol (a joint venture between JAC Motors and Volkswagen), JMEV (a joint venture between Renault and Jiangling Motors), Chery and BYD. The first models are already planned for sale for this year.