GM to Produce Sodium-Ion Batteries in North America by 2028 as AI Power Demand Rises
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 12
GM to Produce Sodium-Ion Batteries in North America by 2028 as AI Power Demand Rises
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 12
Summary
General Motors plans to make stationary sodium-ion batteries in North American factories by 2028, shifting beyond EVs into grid and data-center storage.
Declining EV demand and rising electricity needs from AI are driving the move, as utilities and technology companies seek storage to manage peak loads and outages.
Sodium salt is cheaper and more abundant than lithium, giving GM a lower-cost chemistry that also reduces dependence on China.
The batteries also avoid cooling systems used in lithium packs, a design difference that could lower maintenance and energy costs.
Ford has already launched an energy unit using lithium-iron-phosphate storage, underscoring how automakers are repurposing battery expertise for the AI-era power buildout.