GM to Trial Sodium-Ion Grid Storage Cells in 2028 with 20% Cost Reduction
GM•General Motors will co-develop sodium-ion battery cells with Peak Energy at its Michigan labs, securing manufacturing rights and an ownership stake for GM Ventures, with trial production slated for 2028. The technology aims to cut storage costs by 20% and boost uptime above 99% for utilities and data centers.
1. Partnership Details
General Motors and Peak Energy will co-develop sodium-ion battery cells at GM’s Michigan labs under a partnership granting GM manufacturing rights and an ownership stake for GM Ventures. First trial production is scheduled for 2028 at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center.
2. Sodium-Ion Benefits and Costs
Sodium-ion chemistry uses abundant raw materials and reduces fire risks, enabling stationary storage systems without cooling infrastructure. Peak Energy’s design is expected to cut storage costs by 20% and deliver uptime above 99% compared with lithium-iron phosphate setups.
3. Strategic Energy Storage Push
The agreement complements GM’s broader energy storage expansion, including vehicle-to-grid programs in talks with ten utilities for launches in California and Texas later this year. GM is also procuring a battery system from Redwood Materials for its Michigan plant as U.S. grid storage demand is set to double by 2030.
