Several US-based companies are pursuing sodium ion battery technology as a path to revive domestic battery manufacturing and reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. San Diego-based Unigrid sells residential storage units and has reported increased European demand for its nine kilowatt hour sodium ion batteries, with plans to ship 1,000 units before year-end. The company currently sources its sodium ion cells from China but indicates potential for future US sourcing.
Sodium ion batteries offer potential advantages over conventional lithium ion technology, including lower production costs, reduced fire risk, and broader temperature tolerance. However, the technology remains less energy-dense than lithium alternatives and currently costs roughly $100 per kilowatt hour, compared to $81 per kilowatt hour for lithium iron phosphate batteries. Industry observers suggest sodium ion costs could eventually reach $30 per kilowatt hour, though significant price reductions may require years of development.
Design choices for sodium ion batteries remain under debate, particularly regarding cathode materials. Unigrid uses chromium-3 in its cathode design, drawing scrutiny from some battery researchers who note that chromium-3 can potentially form chromium-6, a carcinogenic compound, under certain conditions. The company maintains that its batteries have passed European safety certifications and are undergoing US evaluations, and says internal testing has not successfully produced chromium-6 formation.
Other companies are pursuing alternative designs. Seattle-based Emerald Battery Labs is developing 12-volt auxiliary batteries for commercial vehicle fleets, while California and Colorado-based Peak Energy announced a partnership with General Motors to establish a US production facility in Michigan by the end of 2028. Industry participants argue that China’s lead in sodium ion manufacturing is not insurmountable, partly due to rising US electricity demand from data centers creating new market opportunities for stationary energy storage applications.
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