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Lithium-Ion vs Sodium-Ion Batteries

EcoFlow

Table of contents

As technology continues to advance, the demand for reliable and sustainable energy has skyrocketed. Batteries play a central role in powering our everyday lives, as they bridge the gap between energy generation and energy consumption. For years now, lithium-based batteries have been a popular choice for sustainable energy storage, but a different type of battery is gaining popularity. Sodium-based batteries are the new contender and complement to the classic lithium battery.

Keep reading to learn more about where lithium-ion batteries perform best and the potential for sodium-ion batteries in energy storage.

Lithium-Ion Dominance in EVs and Sodium-Ion Potential for Storage

EVs have grown in popularity over the past decade, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) remain the top choice for EV manufacturers because of their high energy density and excellent voltage performance. However, lithium itself is not widely abundant, and natural reserves are concentrated in only a handful of countries, making supply limited and costs high.

As demand for energy storage continues to grow for cars, homes, and businesses, there’s a growing interest in alternative solutions that are more affordable and scalable. For large-scale energy storage, such as whole-home backup, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a strong contender.

While SIBs have been around for decades, they have long been overshadowed by their lithium counterpart. Sodium is significantly more abundant and cheaper to source, offering promising performance for stationary storage where ultra-high energy density isn’t a top priority.

Energy Density, Temperature Range, and Charging Speed

Lithium and sodium are both alkali metals, but they have very different fundamental properties that influence how their batteries perform. Here’s the key metric where LIBs and SIBs show noticeable differences:

Energy Density: Li-ions have a higher gravimetric energy density, meaning they store more energy per unit mass. This is largely due to lithium atoms being significantly lighter (6.9 g/mol) than sodium atoms (23.0 g/mol). In addition to having a lower atomic mass, Li-ions also provide a higher cell voltage. The standard reduction potential of the Li⁺/Li couple is -3.04 V compared to -2.71 V for the Na⁺/Na. A more negative standard reduction potential means lithium is easier to oxidize, allowing LIBs to operate at a higher voltage.
Temperature: SIBs, however, perform better across a broader range of temperatures. While both chemistries can handle similar high temperatures for discharge, SIBs are generally more reliable in colder environments. As temperatures drop, the capacity of LIBs decreases rapidly, whereas sodium retains a higher percentage of its usable capacity. SIBs are also safer in high temperatures because the risk of thermal runaway is lower.
Charging speed: SIBs can charge at a faster rate. If the LIBs charge too quickly, the ions do not interact correctly with the anode, leading to premature degradation. A LIB is intentionally designed to charge “slowly” to avoid this issue, but it still charges really fast.

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Applications: EVs, Energy Storage, and the Right Fit

LIBs and SIBs each have unique strengths, making them better suited for different applications. LIBs are the clear leader for EVs and other portable electronics. Their high charge density makes integration into EVs practical, where lightweight, compact, and high-energy solutions are needed for long driving ranges. Some LIBs, such as lithium-polymer batteries, feature a gel electrolyte instead of a liquid, allowing for flexible battery designs in on-the-go electronics.

On the other hand, SIBs shine in stationary storage. Sodium is affordable, abundant, and performs well across a wide temperature range. Whole-home backup systems and renewable energy storage are perfect applications for SIBs. In these settings, cost, safety, and long life cycle are more important than weight and highest energy density. It’s also cleaner. The mining process is simpler and less intense, and recycling sodium batteries is easier since the materials are less toxic.

In general, lithium is ideal when speed and movement are the main focus, and sodium is best for storage and stability applications.

Portable Power and Home Storage: How Lithium-Ion Solutions Fit Your Life

While SIBs may become more prevalent for large, at-home energy storage systems, LIBs will continue to dominate in portable power solutions. Lithium batteries power more than just vehicles. They are used in all sizes of portable batteries and solar generators.

LIBs provide off-grid, clean, and quiet power for camping, remote work, outdoor hosting, or preparing your home for a storm. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic (1024Wh) stores 1024Wh of electricity, making it perfect for powering phones, laptops, lights, small appliances, and medical devices.

Lithium is still the leader in home backup. Pair an EcoFlow power station with rooftop or portable solar panels for a flexible electricity source. When the grid goes down or you want to switch over to solar, the lights, internet, and key appliances will continue to run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Sodium Ion Battery Better Than Lithium?

It depends entirely on the application. Lithium is the clear winner when it comes to portable power needs like electric vehicles and lightweight power stations. Sodium-based batteries are better for large, stationary storage systems for homes and businesses. Sodium-ion is also cheaper, making energy storage more accessible.

How Much Do Sodium-Ion Batteries Cost per kWh?

Sodium-ion is a lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion, with current prices estimated to be $95-$135 CAD per kWh, and expected to decrease as more companies enter the production market. Lithium-ion prices fall between $175 and $200 CAD per kWh and will increase as demand increases and supply decreases.

Ready to Discover Safe, Reliable Backup Power with EcoFlow?

Even as sodium-ion batteries gain popularity, lithium-ion technology is not going anywhere. Lithium-ion remains the top choice for electric vehicles and other mobile power applications due to its high charge density, low weight, fast charging capabilities, and reliable performance. Sodium-ion batteries, with their lower energy density, are better suited for fixed storage needs such as powering a home. Their lower cost and abundant materials will make energy independence more accessible for households in the future.

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