Days Numbered For 'Risky' Lithium-Ion Batteries

28 Jan 2026 | Abstracted from Live Science

A research team in Japan has developed a fast‑charging sodium‑ion battery using a new carbon‑based electrolyte that boosts both energy density and charging speed. The design addresses safety issues linked to lithium‑ion cells and uses abundant, low‑cost sodium. Scientists say the breakthrough could make sodium‑ion a safer, cheaper, and rapidly chargeable alternative for future electronics and EVs.

ADDITIONAL RELATED NEWS LINKS

• MIT: What's next for EV batteries in 2026


• MIT's Sodium Fuel Cell Powers Planes, Captures Carbon, and Outruns Batteries


• CATL Teases Five-Minute EV Charge With Longer Range Than BYD


• CATL's New Sodium-Ion EV Battery Works In -40 Degree Cold


• CATL Will Put Its Second-Generation Sodium-Ion Batteries Into Production In 2025


• Sodium Batteries From Michigan To Challenge Lithium's Grip


• New China Automaker Backed By Volkswagen Debuts First EV With Novel Sodium Battery: 'An Entirely New Battery Chemistry'


• China's TAILG Unveils Luxury Two-Wheelers Powered By Sodium-Ion Batteries


• Volkswagen-Backed EV Maker Rolls Out First Sodium-Ion Battery Powered Electric Car


• Sparking Change: Are Sodium-Ion Batteries Going To Replace Lithium-Ion In The Future?