• EisFrei@lemmy.world
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    4 days ago

    They indeed have less energy density, but I don’t get your point about less safety.

    They work better in high and low temperatures, can be charged a lot faster and don’t degrade as fast. Sodium isn’t as reactive as Lithium, lowering the risk of fires.

    • SolarMonkey@slrpnk.net
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      4 days ago

      My point is that if they have less energy density, they aren’t a particularity great choice for EVs, as the increased battery size to get the same capacity makes the whole thing much heavier, requiring even more battery to move it.

      I guess for like short range vehicles, it might be fine, but at least around here, thats gunna be a pretty tough sell, because everything is spread out.

      It can’t really make EVs safer if its not being used for them due to the drawbacks, is all.

      • nucleative@lemmy.world
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        4 days ago

        ICE engines use a bunch of physical space for accessory components related to the engine. Li-ion powered e-cars reclaimed a ton of that space (i.e. Tesla has a frunk)

        Perhaps next using a bit more space for a less dense sodium battery in exchange for a vehicle that is 0% explodable is a worthy trade (if claims are true).

        • chonglibloodsport@lemmy.world
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          4 days ago

          Putting part of the battery in the front, in the crash zone, is going to reduce safety, not improve it.

          One of the main things that improved EV safety over ICE cars is the frunk itself. By removing that massive engine from the front and replacing it with a crumple zone, the car becomes much safer in front impacts.

          • Aceticon@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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            4 days ago

            Do you have a source for that or is it just a conclusion you reached?

            The reason I ask is that I vaguelly remember of seeing somewhere that the way the front of modern ICE cars is designed makes the engine literally fall when a high-speed frontal collision happens exactly so that the front can act as a crumple zone rather than the engine being pushed inside the passenger compartment. That being so, things aren’t quite as simple as you say and I think we need actual real world test results showing that difference in safety rather than mere expectations extrapolated from superficial knowleged about cars.

            • chonglibloodsport@lemmy.world
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              4 days ago

              I looked it up. 2022 IIHS crash tests showed the Tesla model 3 as being much safer in front impacts.

              Modern cars may make the engine fall in a crash, but it’s still better not to have that mass there in the first place. Having said that, the safety advantages of a frunk may be reduced if you have a bunch of heavy cargo in there.

                • NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.world
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                  3 days ago

                  Maybe try reading what you try to use as a point against them?

                  Interestingly, the study attributes the problems to the drivers not the cars.

                  Its like the BMW drivers are dicks, not that the car isnt safe.

                  AP accidents happen because idiots do things like keep the foot on the accelerator while fumbling their phone and trying to get it from the footwell or just dont pay attention. DONT BE THAT PERSON.

                  Edit: to add, if you’re an idiot who already uses their phone while driving, I do believe that they are likely being even bigger idiots when they have something like AP, but these people were always using their phones while driving. It might even attract them to it and bring more idiots than usual to any specific brand.

        • boonhet@sopuli.xyz
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          3 days ago

          Who wants a more front-heavy car? That’s just a recipe for understeer and I prefer having the ability to turn on ice.

    • django@discuss.tchncs.de
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      4 days ago

      I guess they suggested, that the batteries won’t be used in EVs, as long as their capacity is significantly lower.