• GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca
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    5 months ago

    It will be a while for sodium batteries to solve this problem. They have low energy density, both by weight and volume. I expect it to change enough to be a better choice relatively soon. In the meantime, lithium recycling is picking up, which will reduce the burden of the increased demand for lithium.

    • Gormadt@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      5 months ago

      They’re pretty comparable currently to LiFePO4 batteries currently in terms of energy density. And they’re seeing use in electric vehicles in China. I’d say they’re popping off for sure.

      And just last month the first sodium battery manufacturing plant opened in the US.

      • GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca
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        5 months ago

        Natron Energy, the American sodium battery manufacturer, is only talking about making EV fast chargers, not actual EV batteries. I’m guessing the big reason is energy density. I’m not sure what the range of the Chinese EVs are, but I suspect it won’t be enough to attract North American consumers at this time, although I expect that will change. Also, in other locations where the population density is higher, lower range probably isn’t as big of a factor.