The energy density of LFP batteries are also 30-50% higher than sodium based battery chemistries. Even if sodium battery prices drop, the lower energy density is a big disadvantage. My understanding is that sodium batteries are aimed at stationary use-cases, like battery buffers for fast charging.
replyAt the cell level yes. But at the pack level, you need less/no cooling and there is virtually no risk of runaway fires. This means the cells can be packed more densely and you get some weight benefits for all the stuff you no longer need for fire safety.
replyCATL already put sodium ion in cheap cars. And there are other benefits to this type of battery like a wider range of operating temperatures that cover essentially all of the extreme temperatures you'd find in the arctic and the hottest deserts.
I would not be surprised to find some of these batteries in big semis a few years down the line when the cost benefits make the space/weight sacrifices worth the trade off.
But you are right that domestic and grid storage are also going to be huge use cases.
For about a half of year there have been cars with sodium-ion batteries, in China. As you say, for now they are more expensive, but it is expected that the price will drop quickly in the following years.
replyBecause they lose neither capacity nor charging speed at low temperatures, like the lithium-ion batteries, they expect that in the future sodium-batteries will be the best choice in the countries with cold climates.
One of the most interesting features of sodium batteries is that they still perform good in cold temperatures.
replyAnd high temperatures, too. Meaning they don't require cooling nor heating, basically matching the per kg capacity of ready modules with LFP while being significantly safer and less complex.
replyThey're promising to start selling a Qiyuan A06 variant with Sodium batteries sometime this year... so if you went looking you could probably see one... or will be able to soon.
replyLooks ideal for a power wall at home.
replySuperior temperature range in cold weather as well IIRC.
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