Definition: sodium-ion battery

A rechargeable battery technology that offers advantages over lithium-ion. Sodium-ion batteries can be significantly less expensive because sodium (salt) is much more abundant and cheaper to extract than lithium.

Sodium-ion batteries charge faster and exist in extreme cold better than lithium-ion. According to claims, sodium batteries can last up to 15 years and several thousand charging cycles.

Current lithium-ion vechiles can be modified for sodium-ion with a minimal amount of vehicle retooling. Sodium-ion may also be suited for lightweight electric vehicles or in a combination sodium/lithium battery for backpacks and storage. See batteries.

Sodium-Ion Powered EV

In 2023, Volkswagen-backed JAC Group in China introduced the Yiwei EV, the first sodium-ion battery electric vehicle. (Image courtesy of JAC.)