Saft targets higher-density sodium-ion batteries

(SpaceEnergy) Saft and Mana Battery have agreed to develop anode-free sodium-ion cells targeting higher energy density and aerospace applications, potentially extending an alternative battery chemistry into demanding power systems.

The companies signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop and validate cells combining Mana Battery's proprietary electrolyte and anode-free sodium-ion technology with Saft's cell design, manufacturing, testing and qualification capabilities.

Unlike conventional sodium-ion cells, the design is assembled without active anode material. The sodium anode instead forms in situ during initial operation.

The companies said this architecture can provide a step change in energy density compared with conventional sodium-ion designs while retaining advantages associated with sodium chemistry, including abundant raw materials, freedom from lithium, cobalt and nickel supply constraints, safety characteristics and operation across a wide temperature range.

Aerospace is among the markets explicitly targeted by the partnership, alongside defence, rail, data centres and industrial uninterruptible power supplies. Saft said aerospace applications place particular importance on energy density, safety and reliability.

The agreement follows a technical evaluation started by the companies in 2025. Financial terms were not disclosed.