Clarios today announced significant progress in its sodium-ion battery strategy, including an expanded collaboration with Swedish developer Altris under a Joint Development Agreement focused on the Power Sodium platform. The company also confirmed plans to begin serial production of low-voltage sodium-ion batteries before 2030 at a dedicated facility in Europe or the United States designed for scalable manufacturing.
The announcement, made during CES 2026, builds on Clarios’ broader $6 billion investment plan in the U.S., which allocates $1 billion to next-generation battery technologies and positions sodium-ion chemistry as a core element of its innovation roadmap. Clarios aims to provide chemistry-agnostic energy solutions to automotive OEMs while advancing sustainable mobility goals.
Key elements of the strategy include:
- Increased Equity Investment in Altris: Clarios has deepened its financial commitment to Altris to accelerate development of sodium-ion cathode materials and strengthen a European supply chain. The JDA formalizes both technical and commercial alignment, paving the way for industrial-scale output.
- Prototype Cell Assembly with InoBat: In collaboration with Altris and Slovak battery producer InoBat, Clarios will assemble the first sodium-ion test cells for automotive use at InoBat’s Slovakia facility. These prototypes—validated in Clarios’ Hannover R&D laboratories—demonstrate reliable cold-start performance down to –25 °C, low internal resistance, and high power density, attributes critical for winter operation and efficient energy delivery.
- Serial Production by End of Decade: Clarios confirmed that it will launch volume manufacturing of low-voltage sodium-ion batteries in a Western facility to support OEM sustainability targets, reduce reliance on non-local raw materials, and build supply-chain resilience.
This initiative emphasizes localizing production in Western markets to ensure raw-material security and long-term sustainability. Sodium-ion technology uses abundant, rare earth-free materials and supports circular economy principles. By anchoring cell production in Europe (with a U.S. option), Clarios aims to deliver secure, innovative battery solutions tailored to evolving automotive requirements.
Source: Clarios Insights News
