The YouTube channel Everything Electric Show, hosted by former Red Dwarf actor Robert Llewellyn (aka Kryten), reports in a news update that BYD’s sodium-ion battery could significantly accelerate the transition from combustion engines to fully electric vehicles, faster than previously anticipated.

While there have been many announcements about battery breakthroughs, it appears that China’s CATL has achieved a real-world advancement in sodium-ion battery technology. This breakthrough offers higher energy density per kWh and reduces manufacturing costs dramatically, from $1,400 per kWh to just $10 per kWh.

CATL’s sodium-ion battery isn’t just cheaper—it’s also safer and longer-lasting. It almost sounds too good to be true. But it is real, as CATL is ramping up mass production, with the batteries set to be used by BYD and others.

What does this mean? Cheaper EVs and longer driving ranges that could surpass those of combustion engine vehicles. In other words, the era of the combustion engine is staring down the barrel of a gun—shovel in hand, ready to dig its own grave.

Lewellyn ended the segment on a defiant note, saying: ” There is nothing the fossil fuel industry can now do, except start more wars and kill people who stand in their way. But long term, they are permascrewed”.

Can’t disagree with that Robo.