well, I thought you are able to read the article but as you referring to masterstrategist comment I guess I suggest you read my comment above to him.
regarding your three quantification..
1. IF ---- YES IT IS GOING TO HAPPPEN ... WHEN is the question not IF.
2. EFFECTIVE -- Yes, it is effective even better then lithium ion for use in the static application where battery doesn't need to move so further research happening for cars but the technology already advancing in other static applications .. in my opinion.
3. Cost - damm cheap then lithium and more safe as well.
so two question remains.... WHEN and HOW FAST ..... for EV vehicle... !
Now, energy density is challenge for sodium ion if used in EV vehicle..... that is why even Tesla talks about looking at Sodium Ion for their battery for home storage system (not for car yet) but company CALT is working on making battery for cars (sodium+lithium) and composition of that battery and cost effectiveness is something we need to wait and see when it comes out but they are ready to have by 2023 as claimed by company in the article link i provided above.
let's see what NIO bring to market in EV vehicle space with sodium ion battery... but I rather hear similar from Ford or GM or Toyota but still if this Chinese company successful in their attempt to eliminate lithium then it will only pump more fuel to fire in my opinion.
as i said above, lithium is not going to end if and when sodium or silicon battery comes out.. there will be space for lithium as well... the important aspect as an investor you need to understand is what will be pricing matrix for lithium ion if more cheaper alternative is available... and will it worth for PLS to keep investing in lithium for growth ... or start giving dividends/buy back ...
... in my opinion. .. so don't take my opinion out of context.. !
see below graph from bloomberg below majority use of lithium is in EV followed by consumer electronics and it is that consumer electronics, stationary storage & 2/3 wheelers is where currently sodium ion have products read to test the market while for EV more research is going on and as Lithium price goes up the research in EV space to use alternative will accelerate as well in my opinion.
(20min delay)