Clarios and Altris Connect on Sodium-Ion Batteries

Battery manufacturers Clarios and Altris announce they have formed a partnership to develop low-voltage sodium-ion batteries.

While the industry’s transition to electrification has been dominated by lithium-ion batteries for propulsion power, and lead-acid batteries to power operating systems, there is a trend toward more sodium-ion battery development for both systems.

Clarios is a global leader in advanced low-voltage battery solutions. Altris is a big player in sustainable sodium-ion battery technology.

As hybrid and electric vehicles continue to evolve, and automakers add more sensors, cameras and connected-car features, low-voltage systems are being asked to support an increased number of software-based functions such as steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, autonomous functions and enhanced in-cabin experiences. That increased load is pushing the industry to develop lighter, higher-capacity batteries.

Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries are inherently sustainable and easy to recycle, made from salt, wood, iron and air. The materials used to produce Na-ion cells are abundant and available – “free from conflict minerals and toxic elements,” the two companies note in making the announcement.

The joint collaboration aims to develop a Na-ion battery with a potential of up to 60V to support automotive applications in both new vehicles and for aftermarket replacements, while also complementing a multi-battery low-voltage system configuration.

“Clarios brings extensive experience with low-voltage systems within the automotive sector and will play a leading role in defining and optimizing the specifications for the sodium-ion cells,” says Federico Morales Zimmermann, vice president and general manager, Global Customers, Products and Engineering at Clarios.

“Altris wants to bring the world better, safer and truly sustainable sodium-ion batteries,” says Altris CEO Björn Mårlid. “We’re continuously investigating new applications where our technology can make significant impact at massive scale. As such, we’re very excited to team up with Clarios…to develop low-voltage cells for the automotive industry. With this partnership, we’re able to access every third vehicle driven globally and accelerate the green transition.”

Sodium-ion batteries are gaining traction for propulsion systems, too. Volkswagen-backed Yiwei brand in China recently debuted the first EV powered by a sodium-ion battery. Toyota also has been demonstrating sodium-ion-powered EV concepts.

There is keen interest on the part of automakers, governments and suppliers in diversifying demand away from lithium as a key raw material needed for EV battery packs because of  China’s dominance in lithium refining.