Several US-based companies are working to establish domestic sodium ion battery manufacturing, a technology that could reshape the nation’s energy storage industry. Unigrid, based in San Diego, has begun shipping its nine kilowatt hour sodium ion batteries and reports strong international demand, particularly from European consumers seeking to store power during periods of grid abundance for later use during peak hours. The company projects shipping 1,000 units before the end of the year, with cells currently sourced from China.
Sodium ion batteries represent an emerging alternative to the dominant lithium ion technology, offering potential advantages including lower production costs, reduced fire risk, and wider operating temperature ranges. However, the technology remains subject to design debates among experts, and multiple US competitors have encountered difficulties in recent years. China currently leads global sodium ion battery manufacturing, creating competitive pressure for American firms. The strategic appeal for US companies lies in the possibility of producing batteries with entirely domestically sourced materials and components, contrasting with lithium ion supply chains where China maintains dominance across materials, processing, and manufacturing stages.
Questions about safety and performance characteristics persist within the industry. Some experts have raised concerns about certain material choices, such as Unigrid’s use of chromium-3 in its cathode, though the company maintains its batteries have passed European safety certifications and are undergoing US market evaluations. Other manufacturers are exploring alternative cathode materials including hard carbon and sodium iron phosphate pyrophosphate. Current pricing for sodium ion batteries remains higher than some lithium alternatives, with Unigrid’s technology trading at approximately $100 per kilowatt hour compared to $81 for certain lithium options, though some industry participants project costs could decline significantly over time.
Other startups are pursuing similar strategies. Emerald Battery Labs in Seattle is developing auxiliary batteries for vehicles using Chinese-sourced cells while planning to create new anodes for US production. Peak Energy announced a partnership with General Motors in June to develop a domestic supply chain, with plans for a Michigan production facility by the end of 2028. Industry participants emphasize that the growing electricity demands from data centers and grid storage needs create market opportunities for competitive US-based manufacturers.
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