Clarios, a leader in advanced low-voltage battery solutions, and Altris, a pioneer in sustainable sodium-ion battery technology, will partner to develop low-voltage sodium-ion batteries for the automotive industry.

Every vehicle, including hybrid electric and electric vehicles, requires a low-voltage energy source to power critical systems and functions. As hybrid and electric vehicles continue to evolve, the low-voltage network is being asked to support an increased number of software-based functions such as steer-by-wire, break-by-wire, autonomous functions, and enhanced in cabin experiences.

This transformation is leading automakers to explore multi-battery solutions that include lithium-ion, absorbent glass mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries, and other chemistries.

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 new joint collaboration program aims to develop an Na-ion battery with a potential of up to 60 volts to support automotive applications in both new vehicles and for aftermarket replacements, that also can complement 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.

—Federico Morales Zimmermann, vice president and GM, Global Customers, Products and Engineering at Clarios

Altris, a leader in sodium-ion cathode material and battery cell technology, will focus on the development of Na-ion cells specifically adapted to the needs of the low-voltage automotive battery market.

Altris recently presented a commercial-sized sodium-ion battery cell with its highest energy density to date: 160 Wh/kg. This achievement was made in a research partnershipwith Northvolt, which intends to use sodium-ion technology as a foundation for its next-generation energy storage solutions in upcoming markets.

The long-term goal is to develop a detailed production plan for low-voltage battery systems using these Na-ion cells. The companies believe the mass production of Na-ion batteries would represent an important advancement in automotive battery technology and an important step in supporting the circularity goals of the automotive industry.

The companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the development agreement.