Clarios, in collaboration with Altris and InoBat, is advancing Sodium-ion Battery technology with a clear path toward serial production by the end of the decade. This partnership focuses on the development of the Power Sodium platform and aligns with Clarios’s commitment to delivering innovative energy solutions for the automotive sector.
Sodium-ion Battery Development
Under a joint development agreement, Clarios is working with Altris and Slovak manufacturer InoBat to design and assemble sodium-ion test cells. These prototype batteries are produced at InoBat’s pilot facility in Slovakia using Altris‘s advanced sodium-ion technology. Further validation and performance testing are conducted at Clarios’s R&D labs in Hannover, ensuring compliance with OEM requirements.
Early testing has revealed impressive results. Sodium-ion batteries demonstrate cold-start capability at temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C) while maintaining low internal resistance. They also exhibit high power density, making them suitable for modern vehicles, especially in challenging winter conditions.
Scaling Production for a Sustainable Future
Clarios has outlined plans to establish localized serial production facilities in Europe or the United States. This approach aligns with OEM sustainability objectives and regional industrial policies. By leveraging Western partnerships, the company aims to strengthen supply chains and ensure the availability of raw materials.
The $6 billion U.S. investment strategy by Clarios includes a $1 billion allocation toward next-generation technologies like sodium-ion batteries. Localizing manufacturing not only reduces reliance on imported materials but also improves inventory planning and simplifies logistics for future supply.
Key Partnerships and Investments
As part of this initiative, Clarios increased its equity investment in Altris to accelerate product development and secure a dedicated European supply chain for sodium-ion technology. Technical and commercial alignments are formalized through the joint development agreement, paving the way for industrial-scale production.
InoBat plays a critical role in this collaboration. Its Slovakia-based pilot facility, established in 2024, is equipped with R&D laboratories, quality testing units, and a production line capable of creating up to 50,000 cells annually. The facility forms a cornerstone for customer qualification programs and future serial production.
Christer Bergquist, CEO of Altris, emphasizes the importance of this cooperation: “This partnership marks a pivotal step for sodium-ion technology. We are combining expertise to accelerate innovation and deliver sustainable solutions to meet the growing global demand for advanced energy systems.”
Market Implications
The introduction of low-voltage sodium-ion batteries provides a new chemistry option for OEMs, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. Advantages such as improved material availability and shorter lead times create a competitive edge for sodium-ion technology in automotive applications.
Clarios’s emphasis on a resilient Western supply chain underlines its commitment to sustainability and economic growth. With localized production and strong partnerships, sodium-ion batteries are poised to transform energy storage for the automotive industry.
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