Innovation
Why 2026 Could Be the Breakout Year for Sodium-Ion Batteries
After years in the shadow of lithium-ion technology, sodium-ion batteries are poised for commercial takeoff in 2026. Multiple manufacturers are scaling production, costs are plummeting, and the technology's advantages in safety and resource availability are making it increasingly attractive for grid storage and affordable EVs.
Key Takeaways
- Sodium-ion battery costs have dropped to $40-60 per kilowatt-hour, nearing lithium iron phosphate parity
- CATL, BYD, and several startups are scaling sodium-ion production for EVs and grid storage
- Sodium is globally abundant, eliminating the supply chain risks associated with lithium
- Grid-scale energy storage is the likely first market for massive sodium-ion adoption
- Energy density remains lower than lithium-ion but is sufficient for many applications
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DT Editorial AI··via technologyreview.com