Las Vegas, NV, USA, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clarios a global leader in advanced low-voltage battery solutions, today announced major steps forward in its sodium-ion strategy including an expanded partnership with Swedish battery innovator Altris underpinned by a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) focused on the Power Sodium platform and Slovak battery R&D and manufacturing company, InoBat.The company also plans to launch serial production of low-voltage sodium-ion batteries before the end of the decade at a dedicated European or US facility equipped for scalable manufacturing. This announcement, made during CES 2026, underscores Clarios’ leadership in sustainable mobility and its ability to deliver chemistry-agnostic solutions for OEM customers. It also builds on Clarios’ $6 billion U.S. investment plan, which includes $1 billion dedicated to next-generation technologies, reinforcing sodium-ion as a key pillar of Clarios’ innovation strategy.The strategy combines three critical developments:
- Increased Equity Investment in AltrisClarios has deepened its investment in Altris to accelerate product development and secure a resilient European supply chain for sodium-ion technology. The JDA formalizes technical and commercial alignment between the companies and sets the stage for industrial-scale production.
- Collaboration with InoBat for Prototype Cell AssemblyClarios, Altris, and Slovak R&D and manufacturing company manufacturer InoBat are preparing for the assembly of the first sodium-ion test cells for automotive applications at InoBat’s facility in Slovakia. The prototype batteries are based on test cells produced at InoBat’s production facility using Altris’ advanced sodium-ion technology. All performance validation and testing are conducted in Clarios’ R&D laboratories in Hannover to ensure compliance with OEM requirements.
- These cells demonstrate strong cold-start capability down to –25°C (–13 °F) low internal resistance, and high power density – features that ensure reliable winter operation and efficient energy delivery for modern vehicles.
- Serial Production Targeted by End of DecadeClarios confirmed plans to launch serial production of low-voltage sodium-ion batteries at a dedicated European or US facility equipped for scalable manufacturing. This initiative supports OEM sustainability goals and regulatory requirements while reducing reliance on non-European raw materials. By planning for localized production in Europe and keeping the option for U.S. capacity, Clarios is building a resilient supply chain anchored in Western markets to mitigate global sourcing risks and ensure long-term sustainability.
