Sodium-ion batteries have been identified as appealing alternatives to lithium-ion batteries because they are made from raw materials that are less expensive, more abundant and less toxic. However, the frequently discussed cost advantage of sodium-ion batteries has, so far, not been examined in detail. In this Perspective, we use the Battery Performance and Cost (BatPaC) model to undertake a cost analysis of the materials for sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells, as well as complete batteries, and determine the effect of exchanging lithium with sodium, as well as the effect of replacing the material used for the anode current collector foil, on the cost. Moreover, we compare the calculated production costs of exemplary sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries and highlight the most relevant parameters for optimization. Finally, the major raw materials for lithium-ion cathodes are examined in terms of potential supply risks because supply issues may lead to increased costs. Through the use of a scenario-based supply and demand analysis, the risks to the supply of lithium and cobalt are assessed, and implications for battery research are discussed. Overall, we provide a broad and interdisciplinary perspective on modern batteries and future directions for this field, with a focus on sodium-ion batteries.

钠离子电池被认为是锂离子电池的吸引人的替代产品，因为它们是由价格便宜，含量丰富且毒性较小的原材料制成的。然而，到目前为止，尚未详细讨论钠离子电池经常讨论的成本优势。在此透视图中，我们使用电池性能和成本（BatPaC）模型对钠离子和锂离子电池以及完整电池的材料进行成本分析，并确定将锂与钠交换的效果，以及替换用于阳极集电箔的材料对成本的影响。此外，我们比较了示例性钠离子和锂离子电池的计算出的生产成本，并强调了最相关的参数以进行优化。最后，由于潜在的供应问题可能导致成本增加，因此对锂离子阴极的主要原材料进行了潜在的供应风险检查。通过使用基于情景的供需分析，评估了锂和钴的供应风险，并讨论了其对电池研究的意义。总体而言，我们对现代电池和该领域的未来方向提供了广泛而跨学科的观点，重点是钠离子电池。