KPIT unveils breakthrough Sodium-ion battery technology to alleviate Lithium dependency

KPIT Technologies, the Pune-based independent software integration partner to the automotive and mobility ecosystem, has unveiled its Sodium (Na)-ion battery technology at EXCON 223 in Bengaluru.

With this, the company joins a small and elite group of sustainability-focused organisations worldwide that have developed sodium-ion-based battery technology. This battery technology promises to reduce import dependency on core battery materials. It has several use-cases for automotive and mobility, especially for electric two- and three-wheelers and commercial vehicles. It has promising applications in stationary deployments, such as UPS backups and grid storage, as well as in the marine and defence sectors. 

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research IISER Pune team led by Dr. Satishchandra Ogale, has contributed to material synthesis, characterisation and battery testing for this development. 

Key highlights of KPIT's sodium-ion battery technology

- Extended lifespan with 80% capacity retention for 3,000 – 6,000 cycles
- Multiple variants having distinct performance characteristics and energy density ranging from 100-170 Wh/Kg
- Faster charging than common lithium batteries
- Superior sub-zero temperature tolerance
- Excellent high-temperature tolerance with minimal thermal management
- Enhanced safety
- Substantially reduces the cost of ownership and increase vehicle uptime, thereby increasing income

KPIT chairman Ravi Pandit: "We look forward to partnering with manufacturing companies to commercialise this technology globally.”

Ravi Pandit, Chairman of KPIT 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. As the electric mobility ecosystem matured, we were cognizant of having alternate battery technologies and localising the storage value chain."

He added, "Our Sodium-ion battery technology, completely reliant on Earth's abundant raw materials, is another testament to KPIT's commitment towards the sustainable mobility ecosystem. We look forward to partnering with manufacturing companies to commercialise this technology globally.”

KPIT has a strong foothold in software development, integration and validation for Electrification programs for global automotive leaders. Additionally, KPIT has been pioneering sustainable and efficient energy storage system simulation, design, development and integration for over nine years.