Rajasthan-based Indexel Engineering has partnered with US technology firm UNIGRID to introduce 50 MWh worth of sodium-ion battery systems to India. The move marks one of the country’s earliest and most substantial ventures into deploying sodium-ion technology for large-scale storage applications, with installations expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which pose fire risks and are sensitive to extreme temperatures, sodium-ion batteries are non-flammable and more stable across a wider temperature range—from as low as -40°C to as high as 60°C. This thermal tolerance makes them particularly suited for Indian conditions, where intense summer heat and regional climate variations present consistent operational challenges. The sodium-ion systems will initially be deployed in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and other industrial regions, particularly targeting microgrid applications, renewable energy integration, and industrial backup systems.
The collaboration comes at a time when the global EV and energy storage sectors are reconsidering their reliance on lithium, a finite and geopolitically sensitive resource. In contrast, sodium is both abundant and easily sourced, potentially easing supply chain constraints and reducing material costs. While sodium-ion cells currently have lower energy density compared to their lithium counterparts, their safety and cost advantages offer compelling use cases—particularly in stationary storage and, in the near future, in urban electric vehicles with shorter range requirements.
Anushka Singhal, Energy Division Lead, Indexel, stated that the firm views sodium-ion as a critical step towards building a more resilient and inclusive energy infrastructure. Her emphasis on affordability and regional suitability reflects a broader industry sentiment—India needs storage solutions that match its unique environmental and economic conditions, not just imported standards. Darren H. S. Tan, CEO, UNIGRID, noted that India’s openness to innovation and scale make it an ideal setting to demonstrate the utility of sodium-ion batteries beyond pilot phases.
While sodium-ion batteries are not yet ready to replace lithium in high-performance or long-range EVs, they offer a viable alternative for low-speed two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and even last-mile delivery vehicles. Their inherent safety could also prove critical in crowded urban areas where battery fires have raised public concerns. Additionally, India’s diverse temperature zones make sodium’s performance advantage all the more relevant.