CES 2026: Clarios Advances Sodium-Ion Battery Technology and Targets Series Production by Decade’s End
- Energy Channel Global
- 25 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Global battery leader behind Brazil’s Heliar brand lays out an industrial roadmap for scalable sodium-ion manufacturing
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Clarios — a global leader in low-voltage battery solutions and the company behind Brazil’s Heliar brand — unveiled major progress in its sodium-ion battery strategy, signaling a clear path toward series production before the end of the decade.
The announcement positions sodium-ion chemistry as a core pillar of Clarios’ next-generation portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility and energy-agnostic solutions for automotive OEMs. The strategy is supported by the company’s US$6 billion investment plan, with US$1 billion earmarked specifically for next-generation technologies.
From market leadership to technological frontier
In Brazil, Clarios is deeply embedded in the automotive ecosystem. The company supplies batteries for roughly two out of every three vehicles produced in the country, spanning passenger cars, heavy vehicles and motorcycles. Its Sorocaba (SP) manufacturing complex employs more than 1,200 people and produces a full range of automotive, motorcycle, heavy-duty and stationary batteries.
Now, Clarios is leveraging this industrial strength to accelerate innovation globally with sodium-ion batteries emerging as a strategic alternative to conventional chemistries.
A three-pillar strategy for sodium-ion scale-up
During CES 2026, Clarios detailed a three-pronged approach to bring sodium-ion technology from development to industrial reality:
Deeper investment in AltrisClarios has expanded its partnership with Swedish battery innovator Altris through a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) centered on the Power Sodium platform. The goal is to accelerate product development while establishing a resilient European supply chain for sodium-ion technology, paving the way for industrial-scale manufacturing.
Prototype development with InoBatIn collaboration with Altris and Slovak battery manufacturer InoBat, Clarios is preparing to assemble its first automotive-grade sodium-ion test cells at InoBat’s facilities in Slovakia. The prototype cells, based on Altris’ technology, are currently being validated at Clarios’ R&D laboratories in Hannover, Germany.
According to the companies, early results show robust performance, including reliable cold-start capability down to –25°C, low internal resistance and high power density — key requirements for automotive low-voltage applications.
Series production by the end of the decadeClarios confirmed plans to launch series production of low-voltage sodium-ion batteries at a dedicated facility in either Europe or North America before 2030. The move is designed to support OEM sustainability targets, comply with evolving regulations and reduce dependence on critical raw materials sourced outside Western markets.
Strategic positioning and sustainability
Sodium-ion batteries are increasingly viewed as a sustainable complement to lithium-based technologies. The chemistry relies on abundant raw materials and avoids critical minerals, simplifying recycling and improving circularity.
By anchoring future production in Europe or North America, Clarios aims to build a secure, regionally integrated supply chain while mitigating geopolitical and logistical risks — a growing priority for global automakers.
Leadership perspectives
“Launching series production of sodium-ion batteries is a fundamental step in our mission to deliver innovative, energy-agnostic solutions for the automotive industry,” said Federico Morales-Zimmermann, Vice President and Global OEM Customer & Technology General Manager at Clarios.
Christer Bergquist, CEO of Altris, highlighted the industrial momentum behind the partnership: “Our deepened collaboration with Clarios marks a major milestone. We are accelerating product development and preparing for industrial-scale production, delivering a sustainable solution to meet the rapidly growing global demand for battery innovation.”
That shared vision is already taking shape at InoBat’s Slovak operations, which include advanced R&D laboratories and a pilot line capable of producing up to 50,000 cells per year — a critical stepping stone toward full-scale series manufacturing.
About Clarios
Clarios is the global leader in advanced low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. The company delivers increasingly intelligent energy solutions for nearly all types of vehicles. With 17,000 employees in more than 100 countries, Clarios supports OEM and aftermarket partners with deep expertise, reliability, safety and comfort for everyday life. Sustainability is central to its strategy, with up to 99% of battery materials recovered, recycled and reused. Clarios is a Brookfield portfolio company.
About Altris
Altris is a Swedish sodium-ion battery developer focused on its proprietary Prussian white cathode material. Originating from the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University, the company is advancing patented innovations from concept to commercialization. Altris aims to become Europe’s leading supplier of sodium-ion battery cathodes, enabling scalable and sustainable battery solutions.
About InoBat
InoBat is a European battery manufacturer specializing in high-performance, sustainable energy solutions. Operating pilot and industrial facilities, the company develops and produces customized battery cells for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications. Its Volta I facility in Slovakia serves as a customer qualification plant and innovation hub for next-generation battery technologies.
CES 2026: Clarios Advances Sodium-Ion Battery Technology and Targets Series Production by Decade’s End