{
  "id": 20005601,
  "title": "Sodium vs. lithium-ion batteries: What's the difference between them?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/sodium-vs-lithium-ion-batteries-whats-the-difference-between-them",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-14T15:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2311394/sodium-vs-lithium-ion-batteries-differences-compared/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries operate using similar principles, with the main distinction lying in their composition. Lithium-ion batteries move lithium ions between their electrodes, while sodium-ion batteries transport sodium ions. The primary difference between the two lies in their energy density, with sodium-ion cells storing around 175 watt-hours per kilogram, roughly 20-30% less than lithium-ion cells. Lithium-ion phosphate batteries offer a better energy density of 205 watt-hours per kilogram, and lithium NMC (nickel manganese cobalt oxide) batteries reach a peak of 255 watt-hours per kilogram.\n\nThe larger size of sodium ions compared to lithium ions hinders the storage capacity of sodium-ion batteries, making them less space-efficient. Additionally, sodium-ion cells function at lower voltages, which doesn't necessarily make them useless but does present some limitations. Companies like CATL, General Motors, and Peak Energy are already venturing into the production of sodium batteries on a larger scale, indicating a potential rise in their popularity in the near future.\n\nSodium's most significant advantage is its availability, both in terms of raw materials and existing infrastructure. However, the abundance of sodium has not yet translated into mass production, and challenges remain in sourcing other components used in sodium-ion batteries. While sodium is generally more abundant than lithium, it is not the sole factor contributing to the production challenges.\n\nSodium-ion batteries have a slight edge in cold weather performance, retaining 90% of their capacity at -40 degrees Fahrenheit, as opposed to the significant decline in lithium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries also pose a lower risk of thermal runaway, generating less heat and requiring fewer protection systems than their lithium-ion counterparts. This could make sodium-ion batteries a more stable option in the event of a vehicle accident.\n\nSeveral manufacturers, including CATL, General Motors, and HiNa Battery Technology, are actively working on sodium-ion batteries, primarily focusing on automotive applications. While sodium-ion batteries still face significant obstacles, such as the lower global production compared to lithium-ion batteries and the well-established infrastructure and competitive prices of lithium-ion batteries, they offer potential benefits for specific use cases, such as extreme cold weather performance and hybrid power systems. In the long run, sodium-ion batteries might provide more options for customers, ultimately benefiting the market.",
  "summary": "Lithium-ion batteries may dominate today, but emerging alternatives like sodium-ion may soon have their time in the spotlight if we can manage key differences.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}