KPIT Technologies Unveils India’s First Sodium-Ion Battery Technology

Pune-based KPIT Technologies, a key player in software integration for the automotive and mobility sector, has revealed its Sodium (Na)-ion battery technology. This innovation places KPIT among a select group of globally focused organisations dedicated to sustainability, making strides in reducing import dependence on essential battery materials. The Sodium-ion battery technology holds immense potential for various applications within the automotive and mobility industry, particularly for electric two and three-wheelers, and commercial vehicles, as well as in stationary deployments like UPS backups and grid storage. Furthermore, it is anticipated to find applications in the marine and defence sectors.

Ravi Pandit, Co-founder and Chairman of KPIT Technologies, 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.”

This milestone is the result of a collaboration between KPIT and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. Dr. Satishchandra Ogale, leading a team at IISER Pune, played a pivotal role in material synthesis, characterization, and battery testing.

The extended lifespan of the Sodium-ion battery, retaining 80 per cent capacity for 3000-6000 cycles, presents a notable advantage. Additionally, the technology offers multiple variants with distinct performance characteristics and an energy density ranging from 100-170 Wh/Kg. Faster charging compared to conventional lithium batteries, superior sub-zero temperature tolerance, excellent high-temperature tolerance with minimal thermal management, and enhanced safety are among the key highlights.

KPIT's strong foothold in software development, integration, and validation for electrification programs positions it as a significant player in the global automotive industry. With over nine years of experience in sustainable and efficient energy storage system simulation, design, and development, KPIT's team of experts, including PhDs and MTechs in Materials Science and Electrochemistry, have contributed to multiple global patents in the battery domain.

In terms of scalability and commercialisation, KPIT is inviting manufacturing partners to collaborate and bring this Sodium-ion battery technology to a global market. The technology not only holds promise for cleaner transportation but also aims to substantially reduce the cost of ownership, increasing vehicle uptime and overall income.