Roundtables: Why 2026 Is the Year for Sodium-Ion Batteries | MIT Technology Review
Summary
The article discusses the rise of sodium-ion batteries as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology, highlighting their potential benefits and recent advancements.
Why It Matters
Sodium-ion batteries could revolutionize energy storage and electric vehicles by offering a cheaper and safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries. As they gain traction, understanding their development is crucial for stakeholders in the energy and automotive sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
- They offer potential cost and safety advantages, making them attractive for various applications.
- The technology is gaining momentum in both automotive and grid energy storage sectors.
Available only for MIT Alumni and subscribers. Listen to the session or watch below Sodium-based batteries could be a cheaper, safer alternative to lithium-ion, and the technology is finally making its way into cars—and energy storage arrays on the grid. Sodium-ion batteries are one of MIT Technology Review's 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2026 list, and this subscriber-only discussion explains why. Watch a discussion exploring the present moment for sodium-ion batteries—and what’s coming next. Speakers: Mary Beth Griggs, Science Editor; Casey Crownhart, Senior Climate Reporter; and Caiwei Chen, China Reporter Recorded on February 25, 2026 Related Stories: Sodium-ion batteries: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2026 What’s next for EV batteries in 2026 | MIT Technology Review These new batteries are finding a niche | MIT Technology Review 2025 Climate Tech Companies to Watch: HiNa Battery Technology and its effort to commercialize salt cells < Keep ReadingMost Popular10 Breakthrough Technologies 2026Here are our picks for the advances to watch in the years ahead—and why we think they matter right now. By Amy Nordrumarchive pageA “QuitGPT” campaign is urging people to cancel their ChatGPT subscriptionsBacklash against ICE is fueling a broader movement against AI companies’ ties to President Trump. By Michelle Kimarchive pageMoltbook was peak AI theaterThe viral social network for bots reveals more about our own current mania for AI as it does about the future of agents. By Will...