so how long before they’re ready for consumer use (as LiFePO4’s are)? 5 years?
They have already started mass production of the cells at CATL, etc. I would guess building packs and larger products on that will take some development, a year or two? But I see 18650 sodium ion cells on Alibaba, although I couldn’t say if they are actually as advertised.
Edit, I suppose it depends what you mean by consumer use. Are you asking when they’ll be in every corner hardware store? Or when people can buy cells/packs for DIY projects online (which would be something you can do now).
Lol, exactly. Aren’t all new battery developments always “in about 5 years”? I’m hoping for the best but not holding my breath.
They’ve been in limited commercial use for high safety applications for a few year sand they’re in mass production using most of the same equipment as lithium. There are three car models in china being released with them this year.
“About 5 years” in this context means 5 years until up-stream supply chains are efficient and they are roughly where LFP is now.
🙏 Please. They found Lithium in the Himalayas and want to mine. It is going to be an ecological disaster.
