UNIGRID Launches First Commercial Deliveries of Sodium-Ion Batteries Worldwide

UNIGRID Begins Commercial-Scale Deliveries of Sodium-Ion Batteries

UNIGRID Inc., a pioneer in ultra-safe sodium-ion battery technology, recently announced that it has officially begun commercial-volume international shipments of its proprietary NCO sodium-ion cells. This significant achievement places UNIGRID as the first company outside of China to export sodium-ion batteries at scale, thanks to essential transport certifications and a uniquely efficient foundry manufacturing model.

The complexity of scaling new battery technologies typically involves hefty costs and lengthy timeframes associated with constructing dedicated gigafactories. Such limitations hinder commercialization while restricting accessibility to innovative energy solutions. In contrast, UNIGRID has adopted a fab-less manufacturing approach with a foundry-subscription model, allowing for the scaling of its sodium-ion battery chemistry through partnerships rather than the establishment of capital-intensive production facilities. This model enables tremendous flexibility and rapid global scale-up, with high-quality battery cells shipped directly from foundries in 40-foot ocean containers.

UNIGRID’s commercialization efforts sped up significantly last year after the company successfully achieved UN38.3 transport certification for its sodium-ion cells. By the close of 2025, UNIGRID had effectively transitioned from pilot-scale production to commercial export quantities. These shipments represent the first-ever sodium-ion batteries to be exported commercially through various international ports, which were traditionally equipped to handle only lithium-ion batteries. Managing this transition involved navigating new processes and declarations specific to this innovative battery chemistry for local authorities.

Darren H. S. Tan, CEO and co-founder of UNIGRID, remarked, "This milestone validates a path for us to bring safe, scalable NCO sodium-ion technology to global markets. Through collaboration with our foundry partners, we've proven that advanced battery chemistries can be commercialized without massive capital buildouts."

With the hurdles of certification and international shipping logistics now overcome, UNIGRID is set to begin fulfilling its off-take agreements in 2026. This development holds immense potential for various sectors, including renewable energy storage and automotive applications.

Founded as a University of California, San Diego spin-off in 2021, UNIGRID is derived from the innovative Ph.D. research of Dr. Darren H. S. Tan and Dr. Erik A. Wu. The company focuses on delivering safe, low-cost sodium-ion batteries designed for energy storage and motive applications. By revolutionizing the battery landscape, UNIGRID aims to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-based batteries, which often face supply chain and environmental challenges.

UNIGRID’s ambition to offer sodium-ion technology underscores its commitment to advancing energy storage solutions, making reliable energy storage systems more accessible worldwide. As the energy transition progresses, solutions like those offered by UNIGRID become vital, positioning the company to play a crucial role in the future of battery technology.

For more information, visit UNIGRID’s official website.