US Startups Aim to Reshore Battery Manufacturing
San Diego-based Unigrid reports growing demand for its home battery storage systems, driven by European heatwaves. CEO Darren Tan cites increased European inquiries and aims to establish domestic battery production in the US.
US battery startup Unigrid is experiencing a surge in demand from European consumers seeking solutions to manage rising energy costs during summer heatwaves. The company's CEO, Darren Tan, reported that Unigrid's sodium-ion battery for home use has seen a significant increase in inquiries from countries like Spain, France, and Germany.
"We are getting requests from Spain, France, Germany, The Netherlands," Tan stated. "We have shipped the first 100 units and expect to ship 1,000 before the end of the year." Unigrid's battery utilizes sodium-ion technology as an alternative to lithium-ion. Sodium-ion batteries are seen as potentially cheaper to produce, more resilient in various temperatures, and less prone to catching fire.
Currently, Unigrid sources its sodium-ion cells from China, reflecting China's dominant position in battery manufacturing and supply chains. However, Tan indicated a potential future shift to sourcing cells from the US, acknowledging that this might come with a different cost structure. The company's objective is to bolster US domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the battery's cathode material, chromium-3, which under certain conditions could convert to toxic chromium-6. Despite these concerns, voiced by experts such as Professor Dame Clare Grey from the University of Cambridge, Tan asserts that Unigrid's battery has passed European certification and safety tests. He emphasized that independent tests, including deliberate overcharging, have failed to produce chromium-6. The company is currently undergoing similar safety evaluations for the US market.