cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/48958993
energy density of 175 Wh/kg
CATL explained that sodium-ion batteries have slightly lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries but provide distinct advantages in low-temperature performance, carbon footprint, and safety.
These things are a game changer. For a car, you don’t need the energy density of li-ion. They don’t fly, they don’t get carried around by people.
They are significantly safer than lithium-ion. They don’t burst into flames if the container is breached. They don’t build up hydrogen bubbles. I believe they have a higher cycle lifespan. And they don’t degrade when fully charged or discharged like lithium do.
They are also much more environmentally friendly to develop and cheaper to produce (which mean they will never be allowed into the US because of Elon Musk).