The Salt Revolution: Key Players Driving the Sodium-Ion Battery Industry.

The quest for sustainable and affordable energy storage has ignited a “salt revolution” in the battery world. Sodium-ion batteries (Na-ion), utilizing abundant and inexpensive sodium, are emerging as a compelling alternative to lithium-ion, particularly for applications where cost, safety, and supply chain stability are paramount. While still relatively nascent compared to lithium-ion, the sodium-ion landscape is rapidly evolving, with a growing number of companies actively pushing towards commercialization and mass production.

Giants Leading the Charge:

• CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) – China: As the world’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturer, CATL’s significant investment in sodium-ion technology signals its strong belief in the chemistry’s future. They unveiled their first-generation sodium-ion battery in 2021 and are aggressively pursuing mass production. Their “Naxtra” sodium-ion EV battery pack is slated for mass production by the end of 2025, aiming for an energy density of 175 Wh/kg and a full-temperature range from -40°C to 70°C. This positions them as a key player in bringing Na-ion to mainstream automotive applications.
  
• BYD – China: Another Chinese automotive and battery powerhouse, BYD is also heavily invested in sodium-ion technology. They are constructing a new sodium-ion battery facility in Xuzhou, China, indicating their commitment to diversifying their energy storage solutions.

Pioneers and Innovators:

• Faradion Limited (a subsidiary of Reliance Industries) – UK/India: Considered a global leader in non-aqueous sodium-ion cell technology, Faradion has been at the forefront of developing advanced, low-cost battery materials. Their patented solutions are designed to rival the performance of lithium-ion while offering enhanced safety, a wider operating temperature range, and the ability to be cycled to and stored at zero volts for safer cells and reduced costs. They are working with licensees and manufacturing partners to bring products to market.
  
• HiNa Battery Technology Co., Ltd. – China: HiNa Battery is a dedicated manufacturer focused on new-generation energy storage. They have introduced several sodium-ion battery cells with energy densities between 140 Wh/kg and 155 Wh/kg. Notably, HiNa has partnered with JAC to integrate their batteries into passenger cars, demonstrating a real-world application with a test vehicle featuring a 25 kWh battery pack. They initiated their first GWh-scale production line in Fuyang, China, in late 2022.
  
• Natron Energy – USA: This U.S.-based company specializes in sodium-ion batteries utilizing a unique Prussian blue electrode chemistry. Natron’s batteries are known for their high power, fast charging capabilities (recharging in under 15 minutes), long cycle life (over 50,000 cycles), and enhanced safety (100% non-flammable). They are targeting high-power industrial applications like data centers, telecom, and EV fast charging. Natron announced the commencement of commercial-scale operations at its sodium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan, marking the first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S.
  
• Tiamat – France: Tiamat is a French company focused on designing, developing, and manufacturing sodium-ion batteries for both mobility and stationary energy storage. Their batteries boast fast charging capabilities (in as little as 5 minutes), high power density, and a long lifetime of over 5,000 cycles. Tiamat aims to establish a factory capable of producing 5 GWh of sodium-ion batteries annually in France.
  
• Altris AB – Sweden: Altris is making significant strides in sodium-ion battery development, with a commercial-sized cell achieving an energy density comparable to LFP lithium-ion batteries. Their batteries utilize globally abundant raw materials like salt, wood, iron, and air for a truly sustainable approach. Altris is collaborating with companies like Clarios for low-voltage automotive uses and Polarium for energy storage, and is establishing a cathode factory with a planned capacity of 2,000 tons annually.
  
• Northvolt – Sweden: This prominent Swedish battery manufacturer has also made a significant breakthrough in sodium-ion technology, with its first-generation battery surpassing an energy density of 160 Wh/kg. Northvolt’s entry into the Na-ion space further validates the technology’s potential.
  
• AMTE Power plc – UK: AMTE Power is a British company actively developing sodium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and stationary energy storage. Their “Ultra Safe” sodium-ion cell has achieved UN38.3 transportation testing certification, a crucial step for global commercialization.