Taisan Secures £1.3m Funding for Solid State Sodium Battery

UK startup TaiSan has recently made waves in the electric vehicle industry by securing a substantial £1.3 million in funding for its innovative quasi-solid state sodium battery technology. This breakthrough technology is specifically designed for electric vehicles, aiming to revolutionize the way batteries are produced and utilized in the automotive sector.

TaiSan's solid state sodium battery offers a promising 20 percent cost saving compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. What sets TaiSan apart is its ability to serve as a drop-in solution at existing lithium-ion production facilities, making it an attractive option for automakers looking to transition to more sustainable and cost-effective battery solutions. The company, founded by a former Jaguar LandRover engineer, has already garnered significant interest from several automotive OEMs, with whom they have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

The recent pre-seed funding round, led by EIT InnoEnergy and TSP Ventures, and supported by Heartfelt VC and Exergon, marks a significant milestone for TaiSan. Heartfelt VC, with ties to Porsche, recognizes the potential of TaiSan's technology in shaping the future of e-mobility. Over the past two years, TaiSan has received substantial funding from various UK Government and Research organizations, highlighting the industry's confidence in the company's innovative approach.

The adoption of sodium-ion chemistry is gaining traction as a key advancement in battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology. This shift promises substantial cost, sustainability, and safety benefits over traditional lithium-ion batteries. Industry experts predict that the global market for sodium-ion batteries could reach a value of £1 billion by 2028, with a capacity of 186GWh/year by 2030.

While TaiSan leads the charge in the UK, other companies around the world are also making strides in sodium battery technology. Tiamat in France, backed by car maker Stellantis, along with Acculon in Sweden and Natron in the US, are actively developing sodium battery solutions, signaling a global shift towards more sustainable and efficient battery technologies.

One of TaiSan's key innovations lies in its proprietary electrolyte and anode materials for quasi solid state sodium cells. This technology offers comparable energy density to automotive lithium-ion batteries but at a 20% lower cost in mass production. Additionally, TaiSan's batteries support fast charging, addressing a critical need in the electric vehicle market.

The company's advanced technology boasts industry-standard ionic conductivity, mitigating issues such as dendrite growth that can limit battery cycle life. With a high-capacity anode and a design that eliminates the risk of leakage and fire hazards, TaiSan's batteries are not only efficient but also safe for widespread adoption.

TaiSan has already secured partnerships with automotive manufacturers from seven different countries, showcasing the global appeal of its innovative sodium battery technology. The recent funding injection will enable TaiSan to meet customer milestones and further enhance the development of its groundbreaking electrolyte and anode materials.

Founder and CEO of TaiSan, Sanzhar Taizhan, expressed optimism about the future of the company's technology, stating, "Our quasi-solid-state sodium battery offers significant cost, sustainability, and safety benefits for the BEV industry. TaiSan's novel electrolyte and anode innovations will bring this chemistry to the next level – batteries becoming smaller, lighter, with best-in-class energy density, and major cost savings too."

CEO of EIT InnoEnergy Scandinavia, Lowina Lundström, shared her enthusiasm for TaiSan's sodium-ion technology, emphasizing its potential for traction batteries and high-power applications. The collaboration between EIT InnoEnergy and TaiSan signifies a new era in battery technology, where sodium-ion batteries are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric vehicles.

For more information about TaiSan and their groundbreaking sodium battery technology, visit www.taisan.co.uk.