Broomfield Battery Startup Wins Top Industry Innovation
The award recognizes new sodium-ion technology that could eventually lower costs for future electric vehicle owners.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Live Poll
Do you believe new sodium-ion batteries will successfully replace traditional lithium batteries for everyday technology?
Colorado-based Mana Battery has earned the Battery Innovation of the Year award at The Battery Show North America 2026. This startup is scaling anode-free sodium-ion battery technology, which could lower costs for future electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Why it matters
By removing costly anode materials and utilizing abundant sodium, this technology aims to provide higher energy density than current lithium iron phosphate batteries. For Broomfield families interested in EVs, these advancements represent a path toward more affordable and domestically produced vehicle technology.
Mana Battery currently has 14 active development projects with various customers. The exact commercial release date for their anode-free sodium-ion cells remains unknown as the firm scales its technology through new partnerships.
The players
Mana Battery
A Broomfield-based developer founded in 2023 that specializes in anode-free sodium-ion battery technology for vehicles.
Saft
A global battery manufacturer that signed a joint development agreement with Mana Battery in August 2026.
The details
The company achieves higher energy density by using a cell architecture that assembles without traditional anode active material, allowing the sodium anode to form during the charging process. This liquid electrolyte platform is designed to boost both safety and performance. By relying on domestic, abundant materials rather than expensive minerals, the design reduces manufacturing complexity for potential EV and energy storage partners.
Timeline
2023: Mana Battery was founded as a spin-out from the University of Colorado Boulder.
August 2026: The company signed a Joint Development Agreement with Saft.
October 12-15, 2026: The Battery Show North America took place in Detroit.
October 16, 2026: Mana Battery received the Innovation of the Year award.
The Home Front
This development highlights the ongoing industry shift toward battery chemistries that move away from conventional, mineral-heavy lithium designs. It signals a broader trend in domestic energy manufacturing aimed at reducing dependence on limited supply chains for future EV ownership.
Residents should keep an eye on upcoming vehicle model announcements from major manufacturers that integrate new sodium-ion power systems. While not currently in consumer cars, tracking these developments can help you make informed decisions for your next vehicle purchase.
The takeaway
The move toward sodium-based power could eventually reshape the cost and accessibility of electric vehicle ownership. Homeowners should track how these partnerships progress toward commercialization to better understand the future of domestic EV affordability.
Further reading
Learn more about local clean energy advancements in our Electric Vehicles section.
More information
Review the latest updates on this technology at the Mana Battery company information site.
Live Poll
Do you believe new sodium-ion batteries will successfully replace traditional lithium batteries for everyday technology?
