Sodium-Ion: A promising successor to lithium in battery technology Sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries operate on the same basic electrochemical principles, with sodium replacing lithium. Despite requiring different materials, their core chemistries remain broadly similar, says Shazan Siddiqi, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. The cathode marks the most notable point of divergence between sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries. While lithium technologies rely on NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) and LFP (lithium iron phosphate), sodium-based alternatives are actively under development. According to the latest IDTechEx report, Sodium-ion Batteries 2025–2035: Technology, Players, Markets, and Forecasts, three cathode types are emerging: transition metal oxides (analogous to NMC), polyanions (akin to LFP), and Prussian blue analogues – a chemistry that is unique to sodium-ion. Different performance characteristics Transition metal oxides and Prussian blue analogues are particularly promising cathode candidates, valued for their low cost and avoidance of rare earth elements. Transition metal oxides – typically comprising sodium, oxygen, nickel, iron, and manganese – omit cobalt entirely, addressing the sustainability concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries. Prussian blue analogues, which are distinctive for their rhombohedral structure, are composed solely of sodium, iron, carbon, and nitrogen, making them a chemistry unique to sodium-ion technology. On the anode and electrolyte front, sodium-ion batteries are largely similar to lithium-ion. Hard carbon anodes, used in earlier lithium-ion generations, are the preferred choice since sodium-ions are too large to intercalate into graphite. Electrolytes consist of similar salts and solvents, with sodium replacing lithium, such as NaPF6 in a carbonate solvent. Comparing the performance characteristics reveals the general strengths and limitations of each battery chemistry. While the energy density of sodium-ion batteries remains lower than that of high-energy lithium-ion cells using nickel, it is approaching that of high-power lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Cycle life is reasonable in certain configurations. Not shown in the image, however, is one of sodium-ion’s notable advantages: high power output, with reports of around 1000 W/kg – exceeding that of NMC (approximately 340–420 W/kg) and LFP (around 175–425 W/kg) cells. Sodium-ion batteries also perform better at low temperatures. Cost competitiveness in a changing market A primary advantage of sodium-ion batteries is their potential for lower costs compared to lithium-ion technologies. At scale, a sodium-ion battery featuring a layered metal oxide cathode and a hard carbon anode is expected to have material costs approximately 25-30% lower than a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This cost reduction is primarily driven by the substitution of lithium and copper with more affordable sodium and aluminum, which offers around a 12% reduction in cost, largely due to the use of aluminum as the current collector. A primary advantage of sodium-ion batteries is their potential for lower costs compared to lithium-ion technologies. At scale, a sodium-ion battery featuring a layered metal oxide cathode and a hard carbon anode is expected to have material costs approximately 25–30 % lower than a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This cost reduction is primarily driven by the substitution of lithium and copper with more affordable sodium and aluminum - offering around a 12 % saving, largely due to the use of aluminum as the current collector. Engineering breakthroughs will be key The future of sodium-ion batteries and their ability to undercut lithium-ion on price remains an area of significant debate. While the cost of lithium-ion batteries continues to decline, the timeline for when sodium-ion technology could match or beat these prices is still speculative. IDTechEx finds that engineering breakthroughs, rather than simply scaling production, will be key in driving down sodium-ion costs https://www.pveurope.eu/energy-storage/sodium-ion-promising-successor-lithium-battery-technology
Formula 1 technology drives Mercedes’ solid-state battery innovation Mercedes-Benz has successfully developed a solid-state battery prototype, potentially revolutionizing EV range and performance. Engineers from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and the Mercedes Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems have collaborated to create an innovative battery system that promises significant advancements in electric mobility. The prototype battery was integrated into a modified EQS electric vehicle at the end of 2024. Initial laboratory tests conducted in Stuttgart paved the way for road tests that commenced in February 2025. Solid-state batteries represent a promising technological leap, utilizing a solid electrolyte instead of traditional liquid alternatives. This approach enhances cell safety and enables the use of advanced anodes like lithium metal, substantially improving performance compared to conventional lithium-ion cells. The new battery technology offers improvements in energy density, potentially increasing gravimetric energy density up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level. This advancement translates to practical benefits for EVs, including extended driving range and reduced battery weight. Mercedes-Benz’s development vehicle, equipped with the solid-state battery, is expected to achieve over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of range – quite an improvement over current EV capabilities. By comparison, the existing EQS 450+ model already offers a range of more than 800 kilometers with its 118 kWh battery. The collaboration began in 2021 when Mercedes-Benz partnered with Factorial to develop next-generation battery technology. In summer 2024, Factorial delivered lithium-metal solid-state battery cells using their proprietary FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) platform – the first such shipment to a global OEM. This demonstrates the potential of transferring high-performance technologies from competitive racing environments, like Formula 1, into practical automotive applications. https://www.electrichybridvehiclete...-mercedes-solid-state-battery-innovation.html
"To market to market, to market they goes...When they arrive (on the streets), nobody knows"!! PS If these breakthroughs are so great...Wouldn't it transfer to the power wall industry as well??