Comment by ZeroGravitas

Sodium batteries use a relatively similar process to lithium, so I'd say overall that has sped up their adoption in manufacturing.

But the economics part is true, people looked to sodium as lithium prices went high and then enthusiasm cooled as they dropped again.

However they now seem to be passed that slump and the long term benefits seem enough for sustained investment.

It helps that the wider market is growing. You can keep your lithium battery factory and use your know how to set up a new sodium battery factory and aim to sell both to slightly different markets for the life of a factory.