Why some blue states are shunning robotaxis, and how sodium ion batteries can overcome weight constraints

David Bell, co-founder of Emerald Battery Labs, joins Hannah Lutz, assistant managing editor of content at Automotive News, on the “Shift” podcast.

Bell talks about how sodium ion batteries rely on a plentiful feedstock available in the U.S., but their weight is an impediment to widespread adoption for vehicles. They are a natural fit, however, for another use case: energy storage.

Lutz and Molly Boigon, tech and innovation reporter, also discuss why liberal states outside of California are resisting the robotaxi rollout.