
Altris teams for low voltage sodium ion battery technology

Sodium battery developer Altris is working with Clarios in the US on low-voltage battery applications.
The new joint collaboration program aims to develop a sodium 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.
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.
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This is leading automakers to explore multi-battery solutions that include lithium-ion, absorbent glass mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries, and other chemistries and the Clarios technology is chemistry agnostic.
Sodium ion (Na-ion) batteries are made from salt, wood, iron, and air and are free from conflict minerals and toxic elements.
“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,” said Federico Morales Zimmermann, vice president and GM, Global Customers, Products and Engineering at Clarios.
“Altris wants to bring the world better, safer and truly sustainable sodium-ion batteries. 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 who share our strong ESG focus, 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”, said Björn Mårlid, CEO of Altris.
The long-term goal is to develop a detailed production plan for low-voltage battery systems using sodium 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.
This comes as there is renewed interest in sodium battery technology with Acculon Energy, BYD and CATL all building factories to make sodium cells.
- Acculon starts production of sodium ion battery cells
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Back in November Altris showed a sodium-ion battery cell that has been validated for a best-in-class energy density of over 160 Wh/kg. This makes the cell commercially viable for applications such as cost-efficient and sustainable energy storage systems using its patented cathode material, Altris Prussian White.
The cell was developed with battery maker Northvolt, which intends to use sodium-ion technology as a foundation for its next-generation energy storage solutions in upcoming markets.
“By reaching an energy density that meets market demand, we have delivered on our roadmap. Now, we have our eyes set on achieving 200 Wh/kg and beyond, while keeping our chemistry pure and sustainable,” said Mårlid at the time.
www.altris.se; www.clarios.com
