Technology

the breakthrough that makes EVs safer than ICE cars

Did Toyota write this? EVs already are much safer than ICEs, the headline reads like it's trying to gaslight people into thinking otherwise.

Sodium is absolutely less of a fire risk which is good and is made of less rare earth minerals which is also a bonus.

The major downside is the energy density. If I am not mistaken it is about half of current litium ion batteries. Which would result in a halving of range for the same weight.

On top of that, if they ever get them into production, the solid state Lithium ion batteries are not only more energy dense than current batteries, they are also safer due to the lack of flammable liquid electrolites.

In conclusion with what I know, I doubt most cars will use sodium ion batteries. I would see them as great home batteries for solar installations. And maybe batteries for farm equipement or construction vehicles although the weight might become an issue.

Maybe a bit irrelevant but why is the article calling it “China’s battery“? I feel like if the researchers were from any other countries academy of science, say France, the title would have simply been something like “scientists discover new ways for fireproof battery”. Maybe it’d say French scientists or so, but not simply “France’s battery”?

This from the people that gave us fireworks... traditions disappear so fast...

I thought sodium batteries had considerably less energy density than conventional? Is that not a problem anymore? If that hasn't been solved, I don’t see how this helps make EVs safer.

The "they catch fire" argument is fucking bonkers anyway.

If there's one thing petrol cars are famous for, it's being filled with flammable liquids that can and do leak everywhere and combust upon collision.

You can ignore them. Same with all the disingenuous cunts who complain about wind turbines "spoiling the view" who ignore the coal and gas power stations that have littered the skyline for over a century.