Pune-headquartered KPIT Technologies, an autonomous software integration partner for the automotive and mobility sector, has introduced its sodium (Na)-ion battery technology with the aim of alleviating lithium dependency in India’s energy storage sector.

The technology is anticipated to decrease reliance on imported core battery materials and boasts various applications within the automotive and mobility realms, particularly for electric two and three-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

The company said the development places them among a select group of globally recognized sustainability-focused organizations that have developed sodium-ion-based battery technology.

It also exhibits potential applications in stationary uses, including Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) backups and grid storage, as well as in the marine and defense industries.

Key features of the sodium-ion battery technology include an extended lifespan with 80% capacity retention for 3,000-6,000 cycles; multiple variants with distinct performance characteristics and energy density ranging from 100-170 Wh/Kg; faster charging compared to common lithium batteries; superior sub-zero temperature tolerance; high-temperature tolerance with minimal thermal management; enhanced safety; and a substantial reduction in ownership costs leading to increased vehicle uptime and income.

KPIT said the achievement underscores their successful collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Pune). Dr. Satishchandra Ogale, leading the IISER Pune team, played a pivotal role in advancing material synthesis, characterization, and battery testing.

Ravi Pandit, Co-founder and Chairman of KPIT Technologies said, “Sustainability is at the heart of KPIT’s vision. We are working on multiple technologies to reimagine mobility and accelerate the push towards cleaner transportation.”

He highlighted the importance of alternative battery technologies and localizing the storage value chain.

The company said it looks forward to collaborating with manufacturing companies for global commercialization as it works on advancing the battery technology further.

In May, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay claimed a breakthrough in developing sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries by addressing the challenges of air/water instability and structural-cum-electrochemical instability in cathode materials.

Earlier, Reliance New Energy Solar, the green energy arm of Reliance Industries, signed an agreement with sodium-ion battery technology provider Faradion Limited to acquire a 100% stake for £94.42 million (~$127.42 million).