Swedish group Northvolt has introduced sodium-ion batteries, a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries popular in EVs. The new batteries could alleviate EV manufacturers' dependence on China for lithium and other critical minerals. Despite current lower energy density, Northvolt's batteries are safer and cheaper, with promising applications in hotspot regions like India, Africa, and the Middle East. Mainly designed for electricity storage plants, future iterations of sodium-ion batteries may be compatible with EVs as their energy density improves.