Mana Battery and Saft are working together to develop and commercialize a new generation of anode-free sodium-ion batteries. Under their joint development agreement, Mana Battery will contribute its proprietary electrolyte technology and anode-free cell design, while Saft will provide its expertise in battery engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, and qualification.
The partnership aims to develop sodium-ion battery cells that can meet the demanding requirements of industries such as defense, aerospace, rail transportation, data centers, and industrial UPS systems. The companies will test the technology in conditions similar to those found in critical infrastructure, where battery safety, reliability, and long operating life are essential.
Unlike conventional sodium-ion batteries, anode-free cells are manufactured without an active anode material. Instead, a sodium anode develops inside the cell during the first charging cycle. This design could potentially increase energy density while retaining the advantages of sodium-ion chemistry, including the use of more widely available materials and reduced dependence on lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Sodium-ion batteries are attracting interest because they could offer benefits related to raw-material availability, supply-chain security, safety, and operation across a broad temperature range. These qualities make them especially promising for applications that need dependable energy storage in demanding environments.
For defense applications, batteries must continue working reliably in very cold and hot conditions while meeting strict safety standards. Aerospace and rail systems similarly require dependable batteries with long service lives and strong energy performance. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of AI and cloud computing is increasing the need for reliable backup power in data centers, encouraging operators to explore alternatives to traditional lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
Industrial UPS systems could also benefit from batteries that offer longer lifetimes, wider temperature tolerance, and improved safety. By combining Mana Battery’s anode-free sodium-ion technology with Saft’s battery manufacturing and qualification capabilities, the companies hope to develop systems that can meet these demanding requirements.
The collaboration follows a technical evaluation that began between the two companies in 2025. The financial terms of the joint development agreement have not been disclosed.
