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Sodium-Ion 12-volt car batteries enter production as a New rival to lead-acid. Discover more Exploring New Honda Models Locating Nearby Vehicle Dealerships Shopping For Motorcycle Safety Gear For well over a century, the humble lead-acid battery has been one of the most familiar pieces of hardware under the hood, and one of the most common sources of frustration when a car refuses to wake up. Even modern electric vehicles still rely on a separate low-voltage battery to power computers, control modules, lights, infotainment systems and the electronics needed to bring the high-voltage propulsion system online. Now that long-standing arrangement is starting to change. Chinese battery manufacturer Xupai Power has become a supplier of sodium-ion low-voltage batteries for BAIC's ARCFOX electric vehicles, marking an important step toward putting sodium-ion technology into regular passenger-car production as an alternative to the traditional 12-volt lead-acid battery. The appeal is easy to understand. Sodium is abundant, relatively inexpensive and does not require some of the critical materials associated with conventional lithium-ion battery chemistries. Xupai says its automotive sodium-ion batteries can deliver strong cold-weather performance, substantial weight savings and significantly longer cycle life compared with traditional lead-acid designs. The company's latest figures claim more than 5,000 deep-discharge cycles for its low-voltage technology, while its product range is being developed for 12V, 24V and 48V applications. That means sodium-ion is not limited to serving as an auxiliary battery in an EV. The same basic chemistry could eventually be used for conventional starter batteries, start-stop systems, mild hybrids and increasingly power-hungry low-voltage electrical architectures. Weight could be another major advantage. Engineering work from IAV has demonstrated a 12-volt sodium-ion prototype with a minimum capacity of 70 Ah weighing about 9.9 kilograms, with the company estimating roughly 50 percent less weight than a comparable midrange lead-acid battery. That may not transform a vehicle's efficiency on its own, but automakers spend enormous amounts of engineering effort removing kilograms wherever possible. Sodium-ion batteries also have the potential for excellent low-temperature operation, which matters because an auxiliary battery has to function reliably even when the main traction battery is sitting in bitter winter weather. Modern versions also incorporate their own battery-management electronics rather than behaving like the relatively simple lead-acid batteries drivers have known for generations. Discover more Comparing New Electric Vehicle Leases Automotive Manufacturing Vehicles Xupai and BAIC are far from alone in believing sodium has a future in cars. CATL has already taken the technology much further with its Naxtra sodium-ion traction battery, which the company says reaches energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg and retains more than 90 percent of its capacity at minus 40 degrees Celsius. Changan and CATL have also announced a mass-production passenger vehicle using sodium-ion propulsion batteries, showing that the chemistry is being pursued at both ends of the automotive electrical system. Meanwhile, Camel Group recently confirmed that one of its 12-volt sodium-ion batteries has entered a pre-development program with a major European automaker, and low-voltage battery giant Clarios is developing its own sodium-ion systems with partners including Altris, with plans for serial production before the end of the decade. None of this means the lead-acid battery is about to disappear from dealership parts counters. Lead remains cheap, well understood and backed by an enormous manufacturing and recycling infrastructure built over generations. Sodium-ion still has to prove that its real-world durability, cost and packaging advantages hold up when production scales into the millions, and vehicle electrical systems may need to account for battery-management and charging requirements that differ from traditional lead-acid hardware. Still, the ARCFOX program is significant because it moves sodium-ion closer to being an actual factory-installed automotive component instead of an interesting laboratory alternative. After more than 100 years of lead-acid dominance, the little battery that starts or wakes up your car may finally be due for a serious technological rethink. Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world. SHARE THIS ARTICLE: FacebookLinkedInXPinterestFlipboardEmailWhatsAppRedditThreadsShare

Clarios secures low-carbon lead supply deal with Boliden. Published - August 27, 2026 09:58 am BST. Clarios has agreed a major deal to source low-carbon lead for its battery manufacturing plants in Europe, the Middle East and Africa from Swedish mining and metals company Boliden. Clarios confirmed the agreement on August 24, saying that Boliden's low-carbon lead, processed from mined ore, is smelted in "highly energy efficient Nordic facilities mainly powered by fossil-free energy". This results in a cradle-to-gate footprint below 1kg CO[2] per kg of lead, which corresponds to nearly half the emissions of other primary lead smelters in Europe, which Clarios said average 1,82kg CO[2]/kg Pb. Using low-carbon lead also lowers Clarios' carbon footprint and enables its customers to reduce their Scope 3 emissions. The low-voltage battery solutions major and owner of the VARTA Automotive brand said the Boliden supply partnership - financial details of which were not disclosed - fills an important gap. More than 75% of the lead used for production in the EMEA comes from recycled end-of-life batteries. Clarios operates the industry's largest closed-loop battery recycling network globally with more than 8,000 recycled batteries per hour, returning valuable materials to the production cycle. Emissions reduction To meet the remaining lead demand, Clarios EMEA sources low-carbon primary lead from selected partners like Boliden. The carbon footprint of modern vehicles, regardless of the powertrain, is largely determined by the components used, Clarios said. Boliden's low-carbon lead represents an important contribution to Clarios EMEA's efforts to reduce emissions along the value chain, including both recycled and primary raw materials. According to Clarios, its low-voltage batteries are installed in one of three vehicles on the road globally - powering conventional, hybrid and electric vehicles. Christian Rosenkranz, VP for EMEA industry and government relations at Clarios, said strategic partnerships with trusted suppliers like Boliden were crucial for the battery giant's path to greater sustainability. "Our mission is clear: To power the future of transportation with the world's best batteries, produced as sustainably as possible. Our low-voltage batteries are essential for powering advanced technologies in today's vehicles and supporting the mobility solutions of the future." 'Responsible choices' Sales manager for lead at Boliden, Saga Mills, said: "Batteries International strive to lead the way in sustainable metal production, and Batteries International actively encourage its partners to be part of that journey toward a more responsible future. "Clarios' commitment to using low-carbon lead demonstrates how responsible choices throughout the value chain lead to immediate footprint reductions." The deal with Boliden comes three months after Clarios formally completed its acquisition of three lead battery recycling plants in Europe from Ecobat. That was followed in June with the announcement that the company had produced its 100-millionth AGM battery, which rolled off the production line in Zwickau, Germany. Photo: Clarios

How EXTND is inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. See how Clarios employees are helping shape the next generation of STEM leaders through the award-winning EXTND outreach program. by Cassie Naze At Clarios, its mission to power performance and possibility extends far beyond the batteries Clarios manufacture. It also means giving possibilities to those who will shape its future, especially the students who will become its next generation of engineers, scientists, technologists and innovators. This comes to life through EXTND, a Clarios STEM outreach program dedicated to creating and supporting opportunities for students in the greater Milwaukee community to engage in science, technology, engineering and math activities. Since its adoption in 2016, EXTND has connected Clarios volunteers with thousands of students of all ages and backgrounds, helping to make STEM education more accessible and engaging. As Clarios begin another season of volunteerism, Clarios is taking time to reflect on the impact of EXTND and the power that its community partnerships have in creating opportunities for young learners. STEM opportunities beyond the classroom. EXTND, which stands for Educate. eXpand. Transform. Network. Develop., was founded with the goal of providing students with real-life depictions of STEM careers and helping them envision a future for themselves in technical fields. What began as a partnership with local university engineering organizations has grown into a thriving program that now serves both college students and K-12 learners throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Through hands-on activities, mentorship opportunities, networking events and robotics support, Clarios employees share their passion for STEM while helping students build confidence, curiosity and problem-solving skills. The program focuses especially on creating opportunities for students who have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields. Employees who make a difference. From its engineers to its interns, every employee has the power to shape the future. Volunteers from across Clarios bring diverse experiences, perspectives and talents to its outreach efforts, united by a shared commitment to making a difference. Whether they're leading hands-on STEM activities, sharing their career journeys, or mentoring robotics teams, its employees help students discover what's possible when curiosity is encouraged and opportunities are accessible. Their impact extends far beyond a single event or classroom. By inspiring confidence, sparking curiosity, and creating meaningful connections, its volunteers help build the next generation of innovators and leaders. They are the heart of EXTND, and Clarios is grateful for everything they do. Growing its impact across Milwaukee. The impact of EXTND continues to grow through expanding partnerships and deepening engagement within its communities. As its reach increases, so does its ability to inspire students, support educators, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. The work of the group has also not gone unnoticed. At the 2025 annual sySTEMnow conference hosted by local nonprofit STEM Forward, Clarios received the STEMMY Award in the Employer category, being recognized as a STEM education leader in the greater Milwaukee area. This recognition reflects the passion and commitment of those who have worked so hard to build a culture where STEM is accessible, where curiosity is encouraged, and where every voice matters. Looking Forward. Student success stories are why Clarios continue to do what Clarios do. Every student deserves the chance to explore their potential, ask big questions, and discover passions that could shape their future. Clarios invite you to watch the video, learn more about the people behind the program, and see firsthand how Clarios employees are helping inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. Because powering the future starts with empowering those who will create it.