What are salt batteries and why is China using them to replace lithium batteries?

While the rest of the world is trying to catch up with China in producing affordable, safe, and efficient lithium-ion batteries, Chinese companies have already taken the lead in mass-producing sodium-ion batteries, an option that could help the industry reduce its dependence on essential minerals. Automakers in China were pioneers in launching sodium-powered electric vehicles. However, the impact of these "microcars," which are small and have limited range, has so far been limited. Their sales represent only a fraction of the millions of electric vehicles that will be sold in the country by 2024. A major disadvantage of sodium batteries is their low energy density: a 2020 study showed that their capacity is at least 30% lower than that of lithium batteries. China's power grid managers have also begun erecting energy storage facilities using sodium-ion batteries to facilitate the integration of renewable energy. This sector is considered by many experts to be the prime area of innovation for this new technology.