Colorado Firm Wins Battery Innovation of the Year
Broomfield-based Mana Battery secured top honors at The Battery Show North America 2026 for its sodium-ion technology.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Do you believe new sodium-ion batteries will successfully replace traditional lithium batteries for everyday technology?
Broomfield developer Mana Battery received the Battery Innovation of the Year award at The Battery Show North America 2026. The company was recognized for its proprietary anode-free sodium-ion battery technology.
Why it matters
The technology removes costly anode components while utilizing abundant, domestically available materials to exceed the energy density of traditional lithium iron phosphate batteries. This innovation provides a path toward safer and more sustainable electric vehicle energy storage.
Mana Battery is currently managing 14 active projects with various customers. The company also manufactures and sells its proprietary sodium-ion electrolytes as a stand-alone commercial product.
The players
Mana Battery
A Broomfield, Colorado-based developer specializing in anode-free sodium-ion battery technology and electrolytes.
Saft
A global battery manufacturer that entered into a joint development agreement with Mana Battery in August 2026.
The details
The company achieves its energy density gains by assembling cells without anode active material, allowing the sodium anode to form in place during the charging process. Their liquid electrolyte platform is specifically engineered to enhance overall cell safety and performance metrics.
Timeline
Mana Battery was founded as a University of Colorado Boulder spin-out in 2023.
The firm signed a Joint Development Agreement with Saft in August 2026.
The Battery Show North America 2026 was held from October 12-15, 2026.
The company received its innovation award on October 16, 2026.
Roadmap
The shift toward anode-free sodium-ion cells represents a critical attempt to reduce reliance on limited lithium supplies and expensive active materials. This positions Mana Battery to challenge established chemistries by leveraging more abundant resources for the next generation of electric vehicle and energy storage systems.
The development of lower-cost, high-density batteries could eventually lead to more affordable electric vehicles for the average consumer. Improved safety and performance characteristics in these new cells may also influence future maintenance expectations for long-term battery health.
The takeaway
Innovation in sodium-ion chemistry suggests a future where battery production is less constrained by rare-earth material scarcity. Readers should watch for how these partnerships with established manufacturers like Saft translate into consumer-ready energy products.
Further reading
For more developments in the sustainable transport sector, visit our Electric Vehicles section.
More information
Review technical details on the Mana Battery company information website.
Live Poll
Do you believe new sodium-ion batteries will successfully replace traditional lithium batteries for everyday technology?
