You have to pick between sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries use sodium, which is easy to find. Lithium-ion batteries use lithium, which is harder to get. This makes a difference in price and how easy they are to get. It also affects how safe the supply chain is. In 2023, lithium-ion batteries were used the most. The 18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery was very popular. These batteries were in electric cars and many electronics. Look at the chart below to see battery market share by region and type.

Key Differences Overview

Sodium-ion battery vs. lithium-ion battery

It is important to know how sodium-ion battery and lithium-ion battery are different. Both work in similar ways, but their chemicals are not the same. The table below lists the main parts for each battery system:

Lithium-ion battery uses lithium materials. Sodium-ion battery uses sodium materials. This changes how each battery works and how easy it is to get the parts.

Now, let’s look at how they perform. The table below compares energy, charging, life, and safety:

Lithium-ion battery holds more energy and lasts longer. Sodium-ion battery charges faster and is safer because of its chemistry.

Main advantages and drawbacks

You might wonder which battery is better for you. The table below shows the main good points of sodium-ion battery compared to lithium-ion battery:

Sodium-ion battery is cheaper, safer, and better for the environment. It is also easier to get the materials. This makes it a good choice for many people.

But there are some problems too. Sodium-ion battery has some limits:

• Lower energy density means you need a bigger battery for the same power. This makes it heavier and takes up more space.
• It does not last as long, so you will need to replace it more often.
• The technology and supply chain are still new, so it can be hard to find good products.

If you look at the total cost, sodium-ion battery can save you money. You will spend less on fixing and replacing it. It is also safer, which lowers risks for users.

Tip: If you need a lot of energy for things like phones or electric cars, lithium-ion battery is still best. For things like backup power or grid storage, sodium-ion battery is better for cost and safety.

Battery technology keeps getting better. Your choice depends on what you care about most: energy, safety, price, or the environment.

Material Abundance

Sodium vs. lithium resources

It is important to know how much sodium and lithium there is. Sodium is found almost everywhere. You can get it from seawater and the ground. Lithium is much harder to find. Here are some facts about how common they are:

• Sodium is about 1,200 times more common than lithium in the Earth’s crust.
• Lithium is rare when you compare it to most metals.
• Sodium is easy to get from salt, so it is simple and cheap to extract.

Since sodium is so common, battery makers can always get enough. This means making batteries costs less. The price difference between sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries is smaller. You do not need to worry about running out of sodium soon.

Sodium-ion batteries are also better for the planet. Getting sodium does not hurt the environment much. Mining lithium can cause problems for nature. If you want a battery that is better for the earth, sodium-ion batteries are a good choice for the future.

Impact on supply chain and cost

When you think about the supply chain, sodium’s abundance helps a lot. Companies can get sodium from many places. They do not have the same problems as with lithium. Lithium comes from only a few countries. This can cause shortages and make prices go up.

Japan uses sodium batteries so it does not have to buy lithium from other countries. This helps Japan keep its energy safe and prices steady.

Sodium is easy to find, so the supply chain is stronger. You do not need to worry about running out or having delays. Battery companies can plan better and keep costs low. This makes sodium-ion batteries cheaper and easier to get than lithium-ion batteries. As more people use sodium-ion batteries, more companies will pick them for their low cost and steady supply.

An energy expert says sodium-ion batteries make the supply chain easier. You do not need to rely on old battery metals. This lowers the chance of running out and keeps battery making steady.

Performance

Energy density comparison

When you compare sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, energy density stands out as a key factor. Energy density tells you how much energy a battery can store for its weight. This matters if you want a battery that is light and powerful. You will see the difference in the table below:

Lithium-ion batteries offer higher energy density. Most lithium-ion batteries reach between 120 and 260 Wh/kg. Sodium-ion batteries usually range from 75 to 160 Wh/kg. Some new sodium-ion batteries can reach up to 160 Wh/kg, and experts expect future models to go beyond 200 Wh/kg. If you need a battery for a phone or an electric car, you will want high energy density. This means you get more power in a smaller, lighter package. If you use sodium-ion batteries, you may need a bigger or heavier battery to get the same amount of energy.

Note: Energy density affects how long your device runs and how much it weighs. For portable electronics, lithium-ion batteries still lead the market.

Charging speed and cycle life

Charging speed and cycle life also play a big role in battery performance. You want a battery that charges quickly and lasts through many uses. Sodium-ion batteries can charge faster than many lithium-ion batteries. This helps if you need quick turnaround times. However, lithium-ion batteries have a longer cycle life. Most sodium-ion batteries last for over 500 cycles, while lithium-ion batteries can last much longer. This means you will replace sodium-ion batteries more often if you use them every day.

You should think about how you use your devices. If you need fast charging and do not mind replacing batteries sooner, sodium-ion batteries work well. If you want a battery that lasts for years, lithium-ion batteries are the better choice.

Safety and Stability

Fire risk and thermal runaway

Safety is very important when picking a battery. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if they get too hot. They can also catch fire if they are damaged. Heat builds up quickly inside them. The heat cannot get out fast enough. This can cause a dangerous problem called thermal runaway. In the last few years, lithium-ion batteries had a fire rate of 0.02%. Insurance companies know about this risk. They charge more money to cover lithium-ion battery systems.

Sodium-ion batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries. In the past three years, sodium-ion batteries have not caught fire. When sodium-ion batteries get hot, they do not react as much. They stay stable even if they are damaged or stressed. Insurance companies charge less for sodium-ion batteries. This is because they are less risky.

Here is a simple comparison:

Tip: Sodium-ion batteries are less likely to catch fire. They help you feel safer.

High and low temperature performance

Batteries need to work in hot and cold places. Lithium-ion batteries do not work well in very cold weather. Their parts can crack when it gets too cold. This makes them lose power and not last as long. Sodium-ion batteries work better in cold weather. They can work at temperatures as low as -100°C. They keep working well in labs and outside.

Sodium-ion batteries lose less power in cold weather. Lithium-ion batteries lose more power and can stop working in freezing places. If you live where it gets very cold, sodium-ion batteries are a good choice. They will keep working when other batteries stop.

• Sodium-ion batteries work at -100°C.
• Sodium-ion batteries lose less power in cold weather.
• Lithium-ion batteries can crack and lose power in cold.

Note: Sodium-ion batteries work well in both hot and cold places. They are a strong choice for steady performance.

Environmental Impact

Mining and recycling

You should think about how making batteries affects nature. Mining lithium uses lots of water. It also hurts the land and makes more carbon emissions than getting sodium. The table below shows how lithium and sodium mining are different:

Lithium mining can hurt animals and people living nearby. It can use up water, especially in dry places. Getting sodium uses less water and does not damage the land as much. There is less pollution and fewer problems for nature.

Recycling is important for batteries too. Only about 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled around the world. Recycling lithium-ion batteries is hard and costs a lot. Sodium-ion battery recycling is easier and safer. It costs less and makes less waste. The table below shows the differences:

Sodium-ion battery recycling helps cut down on pollution. It saves resources and is better for the earth.

Sustainability of sodium-ion battery

You want a battery that stores energy for a long time and does not hurt the planet. Making sodium-ion batteries uses materials that are easy to find and cheap. You do not have to worry about running out. The process makes less pollution and uses less water. This helps the environment and lowers risks between countries.

Sodium-ion battery technology gives you a cleaner and safer way to store energy. You help protect nature and keep the supply chain strong. If you care about the planet, sodium-ion battery is a smart choice for the future.

Market Potential

Geopolitical factors

The battery market is always changing. Politics and world events affect supply and prices. A few countries control most of the lithium supply. Chile, Argentina, and Australia mine most of the lithium. If there are problems in these places, supply can stop. Prices can go up fast. China makes most lithium-ion batteries. In 2024, the US bought 25% of China’s lithium-ion batteries. If the US and China argue, costs can rise. Trade fights can slow down battery shipments. Tariffs and bans make things less certain.

Sodium-ion batteries bring new chances. But there are also new problems. China controls much of the sodium-ion technology. This can be risky for other countries. If China stops exports or changes rules, supply can be hurt. The future of sodium-ion batteries depends on how countries handle these risks.

• Trouble in mining areas can stop lithium supply.
• Tariffs and bans make prices change a lot.
• China leads in both lithium and sodium battery technology.
• Trade fights can make batteries cost more and be hard to get.

Note: Watch world news and rules. They can change battery prices and how easy they are to buy.

Future prospects for sodium-ion battery

Sodium-ion batteries could grow a lot in the next ten years. Experts think the market will grow by 19.24% each year from 2025 to 2032. This fast growth means more chances for energy storage and electric cars. New inventions help sodium batteries get better. CATL made a sodium-ion battery with 200 Wh/kg energy density. This means it can store more energy. Princeton University made a better cathode. It helps batteries last longer and work better.

There are still problems and good things to think about. Sodium ions are bigger than lithium ions. This can make batteries wear out faster. Some batteries lose power quickly. Scientists are working to fix this. Making lots of batteries is still hard. Companies need good supply chains and partners for materials. Safe ways to get sodium and recycle batteries are important. This helps protect the ocean and cut down on waste.

• Fast growth brings new chances.
• Better energy and cathodes make sodium batteries stronger.
• Problems include battery life, making lots of batteries, and getting materials.

Tip: Keep learning about new battery ideas and market news. This helps you find new chances with sodium-ion batteries.

Application Suitability

18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery in devices

You can find the 18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery in many things. It powers laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It is also in handheld game consoles and electric bikes. Electric vehicles use this battery too. This battery is special because it stores a lot of energy. It charges quickly and is safer than older batteries. Companies pick this battery because it works well and can be used in many ways. The market for the 18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery is getting bigger. Experts think it could be worth $32.6 billion by 2033. This is because more people want electric vehicles.

You get good results from this battery’s proven design. It has a strong supply chain and works well in many products. In electric vehicles, it helps cars go far and charge fast. In electronics, it keeps things light and easy to carry. The specific energy of 18650 sodium-ion cells is about 128 Wh/kg. This is as good as or better than some lithium-ion battery types like LiFePO4. That makes the 18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery a great pick for moving around and for easy use.

Note: You count on the 18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery for steady power every day.

Best uses for sodium-ion battery

Sodium-ion battery technology is getting more popular for its special features. It works best in big energy storage and grid systems. These batteries are good when cost, safety, and being green matter most. They are not the best if you need small size or the most energy.

Top use cases for sodium-ion battery include:

1. Helping AI data centers and electric heating with more power.
2. Making the power grid stronger as more renewable energy is used.
3. Storing lots of energy to balance solar and wind power changes.

You see sodium-ion batteries in grid storage and portable power for short-term needs. They are safe, use cheap sodium, and work well in places where the temperature is controlled. They handle regular charging and use without problems.

Sodium-ion batteries are also starting to be used in electric travel for short trips. Some new projects use them in e-bikes, scooters, and city buses. CATL put sodium-ion batteries in electric bikes and small vehicles. This shows they are safe and save money. In India, solar EV charging stations use sodium-ion batteries to store green energy. In Sweden, city buses with sodium-ion batteries run well on short routes. This saves money and helps the environment. Tests in electric boats show they work safely and steadily, even in sensitive places.

When you look at costs for big projects, sodium-ion batteries are a good deal. For a 50MW system, sodium-ion battery costs $20–35 million. Lithium-ion battery costs $20–40 million. Sodium-ion batteries are also better for the earth. They use easy-to-find sodium, make less CO2, and are very safe to use.

Tip: Pick sodium-ion battery for grid storage and green energy if you want to save money and help the planet.

Which battery fits your needs?

Think about what you need before picking a battery:

• For electronics and electric cars, the 18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery is best. It gives lots of energy, charges fast, and is easy to buy.
• For grid storage, backup power, and big systems, sodium-ion battery saves money and is safer for the earth.

You get the best results when you match the battery to your needs. The 18650-cylindrical-lithium-battery is best for devices and cars. Sodium-ion battery is great for storing energy and big projects. As batteries get better, sodium-ion battery may be used in more places or work with lithium-ion battery.

You can save money with sodium-ion batteries. They are safer and work well in cold places. Lithium-ion batteries hold more energy. This is good for phones and electric cars. Sodium-ion batteries help store power from the grid and renewables. They make it easier to use your own energy and protect the planet. Companies must think about price, safety, and how well each battery works. New ideas and better designs will make sodium-ion batteries stronger. If you want advice just for you, send us your questions by email or our contact form.