GM, Peak Energy Partner on Sodium-Ion Grid Batteries — SkimNews
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- GM will develop sodium-ion cells in its Michigan labs and retain exclusive manufacturing rights under a partnership with Peak Energy, announced in June 2026.
- Peak Energy will integrate the cells into its passively cooled battery storage systems, targeting a 20% cost reduction compared to conventional lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) systems.
- Peak Energy raised $108 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round in October 2026, led by GM Ventures, to expand US manufacturing and fulfill over $1 billion in customer orders.
- GM's vice president of battery and sustainability, Kurt Kelty, stated sodium-ion is the right solution for grid-scale storage, where energy density is less critical than cost and reliability.
- Peak Energy estimates its technology could reduce annual battery-storage energy waste in the US by up to 2 terawatt-hours, enough to power a mid-sized city for a year.
Why it matters: Utilities and data center operators face rising demand and need cheaper, safer grid storage. This deal directly targets that market with a technology promising a 20% cost cut and major efficiency gains, potentially accelerating the shift away from lithium for stationary power.
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