The start-ups hoping to return battery making to the US
Batteries based on sodium-ion technology could be made in the US with locally sourced materials.
Heat waves across Europe in the summer of 2023 prompted increased demand for energy storage solutions. San Diego-based startup Unigrid, which manufactures sodium ion batteries, observed a surge in interest from European homeowners looking to store power during peak grid rates and use it to power air conditioners during peak heat hours.
Darren Tan, co-founder and CEO of Unigrid, stated that they have received inquiries from Spain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, and have already shipped the first 100 units, with plans to ship 1,000 before the end of the year. Sodium ion batteries are a newer technology that have attracted interest due to their potential to be cheaper to produce and operate than traditional lithium ion batteries, as well as their safety advantages, such as reduced fire risk and greater temperature tolerance.
However, there is ongoing debate about the optimal design and safety of sodium ion batteries. China currently leads the world in sodium ion battery manufacturing, making it a challenge for US competitors to catch up. However, US companies like Unigrid see potential in using domestic cells to create 100% US-sourced batteries. One concern with sodium ion batteries is the potential formation of the toxic chromium-6 when charging, which can be mitigated with proper voltage control.
Unigrid has passed safety tests and certification for sale in Europe and is currently undergoing evaluations for the US market. The cathode material and electrolyte formulation are critical factors that affect the performance and longevity of sodium ion batteries. While sodium ion batteries currently have lower energy density than lithium ion batteries, they are expected to be more cost-effective in the long run.
Some companies are focusing on developing new anodes for US-produced sodium ion batteries, and Peak Energy has partnered with General Motors to develop a US supply chain for sodium ion batteries.
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