Energy Storage

Sodium-ion batteries share similar electrochemical principles with lithium-ion but differ in cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes, with ongoing development in cost-effective sodium-based alternatives. While sodium-ion technology faces challenges in achieving cost-competitiveness with lithium-ion, advancements in engineering and material innovation could enable it to serve as a complementary solution in specific applications.

Sodium-ion battery development in Europe is gaining momentum, driven by government support, private investment, and industry partnerships. The EU Green Deal and Sodium-Ion-Battery Deutschland-Forschung are promoting local manufacturing, while Tiamat (5 GWh by 2031) and Altris (1 GWh enabled by its Ferrum facility) are scaling production. Clarios and Altris aim to commercialize low-voltage Na-ion batteries by 2026, while IBU-Tec leads in sodium manganese oxide cathode production for EVs and storage. Northvolt's Chapter 11 filing (Nov 2024) casts uncertainty on its Na-ion plans, though R&D continues. In India, Reliance New Energy Solar (RNES) shifted from a 5 GWh Na-ion plant for Faradion to a 30 GWh battery facility launching in late 2025. Meanwhile, LionVolt's acquisition of AMTE Power raises questions about AMTE's sodium-ion portfolio. Despite industry challenges, Europe remains a key player in Na-ion commercialization.

ProLogium is a Taiwanese manufacturer of lithium ceramic batteries. IDTechEx spoke to ProLogium at CES 2025 about its newest 100% silicon composite anode batteries.

Solid-state batteries are emerging as a promising solution for advanced energy storage, offering a unique balance of performance characteristics that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. However, their widespread adoption will depend on overcoming challenges such as scalability, cost reduction, and addressing interfacial issues between the solid electrolyte and electrodes.

IDTechEx spoke to Asahi Kasei in Singapore to learn more about its Xyron grades for EV battery fire protection and structure.

Forecasts taken from the IDTechEx report "Advanced Li-ion Batteries 2025-2035: Technologies, Players, Markets, Forecasts"

This premium article explore composite covers for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

This premium article provides an updated overview of Li-ion recycling funding and investments over 2023 and 2024.

Aqua Metals is a Li-ion battery and metal recycler based in the US.

Envirostream is a Li-ion battery recycler, based in Australia, and is the wholly owned subsidiary of Lithium Australia.

This premium article discusses fuel cell electric vehicles, with a focus on drivers and future models.

Automotive and battery OEMs are responsible for collecting retired batteries, which is where the second-life battery value chain begins. Recycling processes may see critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel reclaimed by OEMs. However, the already somewhat established relationship between recyclers and manufacturers may prove tricky for repurposing companies to interrupt.

The automotive industry is often an early adopter of luxury products, where both the increased performance and convenience are selling points to consumers. Self-healing materials can be used in a range of automotive applications, including tires, paints, and coatings. Use cases even extend to asphalt road surfaces, where damage can lead to issues for vehicles and drivers.

Ampace, headquartered in China, develops Li-ion battery technologies for energy storage systems, micro electric vehicles, and industrial power tools. The company is commercializing LFP UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) for data centers.

IDTechEx discusses the pros and cons of composite EV battery covers, as well as innovations, current market adoption and an outlook for future adoption.

Lithium metal batteries will form a significant portion of next-generation electric vehicle batteries. However, increasingly, lithium metal battery developers are taking the anode-less approach, constructing cells without lithium metal foils at the anode to reduce costs. Anode-less designs are poised to become a primary focus of commercialization for lithium metal battery developers.

Electra Battery Materials is a critical metal refiner and Li-ion battery recycler based in Canada.

Toyota is an important player in the area of solid-state batteries and this profile provides the latest updates on its work in this space.