Clarios, a global leader in advanced low-voltage battery technology, is charging ahead with a new battery tech it aims to commercialize for widespread use in the automotive sector.
Today, Clarios announced a major strategic investment with Altris, a pioneer in sustainable sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery technology, that will see it provide advanced electrical modeling software to Altris with the ultimate goal to manufacture these batteries that are low-voltage and are readily available with conflict-free minerals.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries that involve heavy mining, a process which requires large amounts of water and emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide, sodium-ion batteries require three key materials for production: salt, wood, and iron. All three are abundant globally and are free from harmful chemicals and minerals mined in conflict zones.
The two companies have agreed upon an equity stake that builds upon a previously established joint development agreement between them. Altris is a leader in sodium-ion cathode material and battery cell technology while Clarios says it will leverage its vast knowledge in battery management systems (BMS), software, and system integration.
[Related: Go inside Clarios' advanced battery factory in Hannover, Germany]
“A sodium-ion battery solution perfectly complements our chemistry-agnostic portfolio, neatly dovetailing with lithium-ion and lead-acid options to capture the best attributes of both: high performance and lower cost,” said Federico Morales-Zimmermann vice president and general manager, Global OEM Customers and Technology at Clarios. “A sodium-ion battery system provides agility for automakers seeking options in meeting intensifying low-voltage demands created by advanced vehicle technologies."
For its part, Altris will focus on developing sodium-ion cell technology specifically for the purpose of this low-voltage application. Both hybrid and pure battery-electric vehicles of all sizes require a low-voltage energy source that provides power to a long list of systems, such as steer-by-wire, break-by-wire, autonomous functions, and a long list of cabin features.
Though an exact financial figure wasn't provided, Clarios says its investment aims to allow Altris to finalize and begin sodium-ion battery pilot production in the near future, with commercial production will get underway in 2026.
“The Clarios partnership will enable a leap ahead in high-performance sodium-ion automotive batteries by integrating our technology with Clarios’ superior software embedded in its state-of-the-art battery management systems,” Christer Bergquist, interim CEO of Altris. “Plus, the unmatched global market reach and deep relationships with automakers provides ample opportunities to accelerate commercial deployment.”
Clarios will also be a member of the Altris Supervisory Board, tasked with overseeing the overall strategic direction and governance of the partnership.