The new arrival in the energy industry, the Renewable Energy Grid Batteries! But, it’s not perfect.
Given that the energy density of these batteries is too low—around 150 Wh/kg as opposed to lithium- ion's about 250 Wh/kg—they are not intended to be used in electric vehicles. With a 800 Wh/Ltr as opposed to lithium- ion's 1,000 Wh/Ltr, these sodium-ion batteries are also somewhat bigger.
The cost will likewise be higher. It is expected that these sodium-ion batteries that are the new thing in the energy market will be significantly more expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts when the production of the sodium-ion batteries begin in 2023. This is due to the companies that are producing these batteries planning to build entirely new plants using entirely new building techniques, which will result in much higher manufacturing costs. If these companies can expand and improve production, the price will probably decrease over the course of time and eventually be far less expensive than the costs associated with the lithium-ion batteries today.
So what is the purpose of this battery? It may be used as an industrial battery for things like backup power supplies for data centers, forklift battery packs, and grid batteries for renewable energy sources. These applications don't require energy-dense batteries; instead, they require lifespan and rapid charging. Because of this, even without its environmental credentials, Natron's battery is a great option.
But, you could still receive a sodium-ion EV shortly. The energy density of the sodium-ion battery is comparable to that of the first-generation lithium-ion batteries used to power vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Zoe. As a result, as its cost decreases, it may be utilized to produce a cheap, short-range, long-lasting, super-fast charging EV.
This would be a tremendously enticing alternative for a lot of people as there are many that desire an EV but can't afford one. Moreover, technology will develop, and sodium-ion density will probably rival that of lithium-ion today (graphene anodes could do this). When that occurs, these amazing batteries may be installed in every EV now on the road.
Will the environmental revolution be saved by these sodium-ion batteries? When solar farms, data centers, and other similar facilities migrate to their battery, the need for lithium-ion batteries will decline. This might both lessen our total environmental effect and help make EVs more inexpensive (by lowering the need for lithium).
