Half a century ago, the battery of the future was built out of sodium. The reason has to do with why the seas are salty. Sodium is a light element that ionizes easily, giving up one of its electrons.

In recent years, the popularity of sodium-ion batteries has suddenly risen. Chinese companies such as Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), Gotion Hi-Tech, EVE Energy and BYD are all engaging in ...

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