Clarios and Altris have announced they have partnered to develop low-voltage sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries for the automotive industry.

The new joint collaboration program aims to develop an Na-ion battery with a potential of up to 60 volts to support automotive applications in both new vehicles and for aftermarket replacements, that also can complement a multi-battery low-voltage system configuration, the firms say.

Federico Morales Zimmermann, vice president and GM, Global Customers, Products and Engineering at Clarios said: "Clarios brings extensive experience with low-voltage systems within the automotive sector and will play a leading role in defining and optimizing the specifications for the sodium-ion cells.”

Altris, a leader in sodium-ion cathode material and battery cell technology, will focus on the development of Na-ion cells specifically adapted to the needs of the low-voltage automotive battery market.

Björn Mårlid, CEO of Altris said: "Altris wants to bring the world better, safer and truly sustainable sodium-ion batteries. We're continuously investigating new applications where our technology can make significant impact at massive scale.”

The long-term goal is to develop a detailed production plan for low-voltage battery systems using these Na-ion cells.

The firms believe the mass production of Na-ion batteries would represent an important advancement in automotive battery technology and an important step in supporting the circularity goals of the automotive industry.

Financial details of the development agreement have not been disclosed.