TaiSan

TaiSan, a Cambridge-based UK startup founded by Forbes 30 Under 30 Sanzhar Taizhan, develops next-generation quasi-solid-state sodium batteries for automotive applications. Their sustainable, cost-effective technology delivers high energy density and integrates seamlessly with existing manufacturing, aiming to transform electric vehicle energy storage.

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TaiSan is a UK-based battery materials startup developing next-generation quasi-solid-state sodium batteries for automotive applications. Founded by Sanzhar Taizhan, who holds a BS in Automotive Engineering from the University of Warwick and has been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30, the company aims to transform energy storage solutions. TaiSan’s technology promises superior energy density while maintaining cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The company’s expert team includes accomplished scientists and researchers from prestigious institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon University, bringing extensive experience in polymer chemistry and advanced battery technologies.

Battery Technology

TaiSan’s innovative quasi-solid-state sodium battery technology represents a significant advancement in energy storage. The system combines a proprietary polymer electrolyte with a metal anode, utilizing sustainable and abundant materials while excluding costly elements like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper. This design achieves comparable volumetric and gravimetric energy density to traditional lithium-ion batteries while offering an estimated 20% reduction in costs.

The technology features industry-standard ionic conductivity, enabling rapid charging capabilities while minimizing dendrite growth – a common limitation in battery life cycles. Safety improvements include the elimination of leakage risks and reduced fire hazards. Notably, TaiSan’s solution integrates seamlessly with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities, making it an attractive option for manufacturers seeking to transition to more sustainable technologies without significant infrastructure changes.

Recent Projects

In a significant development, TaiSan has established partnerships with multiple automotive manufacturers, signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with companies from seven different countries. These collaborations aim to advance the implementation of sodium battery technology in electric vehicles. The company’s technical progress and market potential have attracted substantial interest from both industry partners and investors, positioning TaiSan as a notable player in the evolving battery sector.

Investors

TaiSan successfully secured £1.3 million in pre-seed funding, with EIT InnoEnergy and TSP Ventures leading the round. Additional investors include Heartfelt VC and Exergon. The company has also received nearly £500,000 in government and research funding from organizations including the Department for Transport, The Faraday Institution, Innovate UK, Advanced Propulsion Centre, Royal Academy of Engineering, and Catapult Connected Places.