Why a UNIGRID’s battery could quietly disrupt the global auto industry

San Diego firm UNIGRID has unveiled a 12-volt sodium-ion battery, designed to replace traditional lead-acid units. The product, called Na⁺ Fleet, targets cars, trucks, forklifts, and commercial vehicles. It also powers auxiliary systems in electric vehicles, including lights, sensors, and onboard electronics.

The global replaceable battery market is valued at nearly $181.12bn (£39bn) in 2025, according to Fortune Business Insights. UNIGRID believes this makes lead-acid batteries an ideal early target for sodium-ion adoption. Lead-acid technology has remained largely unchanged for over a century.

“Strategically, this is an attractive early entry market,” said UNIGRID co-founder Darren H. S. Tan. He described lead-acid batteries as “outdated technology that is primed for disruption.” Sodium-ion, he added, delivers better performance at a lower total cost.

UNIGRID claims Na⁺ Fleet lasts up to 10 times longer than conventional lead-acid batteries. The company says it can achieve 5,000 charge cycles, even in extreme heat or cold. Unlike lead-acid units, it requires no maintenance and is significantly lighter.

Environmental experts say the impact could extend beyond performance. Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries remains a major global problem. The US Environmental Protection Agency warns that lead exposure can cause brain, kidney, and hearing damage, particularly in children.

While the battery still supports internal combustion vehicles, analysts say it represents a meaningful step forward. Sodium-ion chemistry is emerging as a cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium-ion technology. Sodium is widely available and avoids reliance on scarce critical minerals.

UNIGRID’s development also aligns with the rapid growth of electric vehicles. Global EV sales reached 18.5 million units through November 2025, up 21% year-on-year, according to Rho Motion. EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions and can prevent thousands of pounds of air pollution annually, the US Department of Energy says.

Na⁺ Fleet can replace lead-acid batteries currently used in EV auxiliary systems. That shift could reduce vehicle weight, improve reliability, and cut long-term ownership costs. Drivers already save up to $1,500 (£1,180) per year on fuel and maintenance by switching to EVs.

For UNIGRID, this launch is part of a broader push into next-generation batteries. The company says its latest product offers a “substantially longer operational lifespan.” Industry watchers believe sodium-ion could play a crucial role in making cleaner transport more affordable worldwide.

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