Learn
A short history of sodium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion research developed alongside early lithium work, then slowed as lithium-ion commercialised first. Material advances and lithium-price volatility revived it.
What matters
Laboratory work dates to the early 1980s. Lithium-ion benefited from smaller ions and rapid consumer-electronics demand, building a manufacturing lead that sodium never had.
The detail
Faradion advanced modern sodium-ion work in the UK from 2011. Chinese firms later moved the chemistry into vehicles and grid demonstrations; CATL unveiled first- and second-generation platforms.
Practical conclusion
By 2026 sodium-ion output was still below 1% of lithium-ion’s 2025 level, but UK home systems were shipping and major grid and vehicle commitments had appeared.
Sources
- Sodium-ion battery momentum grows, but challenges remain — International Energy Agency, 17 February 2026.
- Strong performance — Faradion, checked 10 November 2026.
- Galvani stackable sodium-ion battery starts rolling out — Eleven Energy, 10 April 2026.
Sources last checked 10 November 2026. Product availability can change.