GM's Big Bet: The Sodium-Ion Battery Grid Revolution
A few weeks ago, I discussed the likely emergence of sodium-ion batteries in stationary storage markets, mentioned that Peak Energy might have some potential. I also noted Ford had shifted one of its battery plants from EVs to grid applications.
Storage is growing. The Solar Energy Industries Association reports in Q1 2026, U.S. battery installations hit 9.7 GWh, a 32% year-over-year jump. By 2030, it expects annual installations of 110 GWh with a cumulative 613 GWh.
SEIA also noted EV factories are retooling to serve the storage market, and the U.S. could hit 120 GWh of cell manufacturing if all facilities come online.
Well, GM just announced that it will manufacture batteries for the grid. And it’s partnering with, and making a strategic investment in, Peak Energy – pushing sodium-ion technology.
GM’s VP of Battery & Sustainability says with electricity demand rising and data centers consuming more power, the battery conversation is changing. Reliability and affordability over long periods of time matter, which is why sodium-ion battery technology is compelling and a defining chemistry for grid-scale energy storage systems in the future.
The chemistry is cheaper and stable, operating more safely over a broad range of temperatures than lithium-based batteries, and have an estimated 20,000 cycles.
Further, they operate without needing active cooling, so less hardware and maintenance are required.
Kelty also says the tech is immature, meaning there is plenty of room for future improvement.
GM plans on prototyping sodium-ion cells for stationary storage by the end of 2026, with a goal commercialization by 2028.
Coincidentally, the American Battery Leadership Coalition, an industry coalition dedicated to establishing sodium-ion batteries as an technology in the U.S. launched today. Its mission is to advocate for federal policies supporting sodium-ion battery technology. It says that American companies already have 15 GWh of planned sodium-ion storage offtakes.
With the GM- Peak announcement, perhaps that number will advance more quickly.