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, reinforcing sodium-ion as a key pillar of Clarios’ innovation strategy. The strategy combines three critical developments: Increased Equity Investment in Altris – Clarios 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 Assembly – Clarios, Altris, and Slovak 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 pilot 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 Decade – Clarios 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 to mitigate global sourcing risks and ensure long-term sustainability. Strategic Significance – This initiative places a strong emphasis on building a resilient, locally anchored supply chain. By prioritizing partnerships and sourcing strategies, the project aims to ensure long-term sustainability and supply security for sodium-ion technology. Sodium-ion technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemistries, leveraging abundant, rare earth-free raw materials and enabling circularity. By localizing cell production in Europe, Clarios is building a secure supply chain and delivering innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of global automotive customers. “Launching serial production of sodium-ion batteries is a key step in our mission to deliver innovative, chemistry-agnostic energy solutions for the automotive industry,” said Federico Morales-Zimmermann, Vice President and General Manager, Global OEM Customers and Technology at Clarios. Echoing this commitment to partnership, Christer Bergquist, CEO of Altris, said: “Our deepened partnership with Clarios marks an important milestone for sodium-ion technology. By combining expertise, we’re accelerating product development and preparing for industrial-scale production – delivering a sustainable solution that meets the growing global demand for battery innovation.” This shared vision is already taking shape at InoBat’s facility in Slovakia, commissioned in 2024. The site includes R&D labs, quality testing, and a pilot line capable of producing up to 50,000 cells annually. It is currently running customer qualification programs and serves as a key enabler for future serial production.