**Breaking News: The End of Lithium? Elon Musk Unveils Groundbreaking Sodium-Ion Battery Set to Revolutionize EVs by 2026**

In a stunning revelation during Tesla’s Q4 earnings call, Elon Musk declared the impending end of the lithium era, introducing a sodium-ion battery that could redefine electric vehicles (EVs) forever. This game-changing technology, dubbed the “salt battery,” promises to disrupt the automotive industry as we know it, with a rollout expected by 2026.

Musk’s announcement comes amid skyrocketing lithium prices, which have surged over 300% in just three years, coupled with geopolitical tensions that threaten supply chains. With over 75% of global lithium refining controlled by China, the urgency for a sustainable alternative has never been clearer. Tesla’s sodium-ion battery not only offers a solution to these supply issues but also boasts remarkable performance capabilities that could obliterate the limitations of lithium technology.

This revolutionary battery can charge from 0 to 100% in just 4 minutes and is designed to withstand extreme conditions, maintaining over 95% capacity after 12,000 cycles—enough energy to circle the Earth multiple times. Unlike its lithium counterpart, which is prone to combustion, the sodium-ion battery is virtually explosion-proof, promising enhanced safety for consumers.

The implications are staggering: Tesla aims to produce 20 to 30 gigawatt-hours of sodium-ion batteries annually, potentially slashing vehicle costs by up to $10,000 and making electric cars accessible to the masses. The upcoming Model 2 could be priced as low as $15,000, while existing models like the Model 3 and Model Y are set to see significant range and cost improvements.

As the automotive world braces for this seismic shift, the era of lithium is rapidly fading. With Musk’s sodium-ion technology, Tesla isn’t just changing the game; it’s rewriting the rules. The countdown to a new era in electric mobility has begun—will you be ready for the revolution?