If the id4 on sale now has enough range for you, then a sodium ion version will give the same while being cheaper and having fewer fire concerns. Solid state lithium will be nice, but expect them in more expensive models.
I have such an ev right now that’s in line with the numbers we’re talking about here. It’s good enough for a road trip. We’re trying to sell our only ICE car now because we’re not using it.
Volkswagen id4 today has a battery of 168 wh/kg:
https://www.batterydesign.net/vw-id-4-82kwh-battery/
CATL launched a 160 wh/kg sodium battery in 2021:
https://www.catl.com/en/news/665.html
They are already gearing up for production of 200 wh/kg sodium batteries, and in talks with automakers about it:
https://www.electrive.com/2024/05/06/catl-gears-up-for-next-gen-sibs-and-global-licensing/
If the id4 on sale now has enough range for you, then a sodium ion version will give the same while being cheaper and having fewer fire concerns. Solid state lithium will be nice, but expect them in more expensive models.
Even if they manage to “gear up” and make it to 200 wh/kg, that’s years away and TODAY lithium EV batts are hitting 270 wh/kg. 35% more energy dense.
And you’ll spend more money to get that. Not every EV needs the most capacity out there.
If your ev isn’t good enough for a road trip, that means for like 90% of you, you have to own another vehicle.
I have such an ev right now that’s in line with the numbers we’re talking about here. It’s good enough for a road trip. We’re trying to sell our only ICE car now because we’re not using it.