KPIT Technologies has entered into a collaboration with Trentar Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. to advance sodium-ion battery technology. Under this partnership, KPIT will transfer its breakthrough sodium-ion battery technology to Trentar, enabling the company to operationalize and commercialize it further. This development positions both companies among a select group of global organizations working on sustainable energy storage solutions.
Sodium-ion battery technology offers several advantages, including an extended lifespan with 80% capacity retention for 3,000 to 6,000 cycles and a faster charging rate compared to lithium-ion batteries. The use of earth-abundant raw materials makes these batteries a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, particularly in the Indian market. The technology has diverse applications, ranging from electric mobility in two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and public transport to stationary deployments such as UPS backups and grid storage. It also has potential uses in the marine and defense sectors.
As part of the agreement, Trentar Energy Solutions will invest in manufacturing infrastructure with a planned capacity of 3 GWh for sodium-ion batteries. KPIT Technologies will receive an upfront technology transfer fee along with additional royalty fees over eight years. The collaboration aims to accelerate the commercial adoption of sodium-ion batteries, addressing key challenges in the energy storage sector, including cost-effectiveness, supply chain simplification, and enhanced safety.
Ravi Pandit, Chairman of KPIT Technologies, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility technologies, highlighting the role of sodium-ion batteries as a result of dedicated research and collaboration with leading institutions. He expressed confidence that Trentar will effectively commercialize the technology for various market applications, while KPIT continues to develop additional sustainable solutions.
Subodh Menon, Founder and Vice Chairman of Trentar, stated that sodium-ion technology aligns with the company’s strategic vision due to its affordability, safety, and supply chain advantages. He underscored Trentar’s focus on building a strong technological product line to serve a diverse range of customers in the mobility and energy storage sectors. The company is set to innovate in emerging energy technologies, contributing to a more sustainable and scalable energy future.
