Natron’s Liquidation Shows Why the US Isn’t Ready to Make Its Own Batteries
Natron’s liquidation shows why the US isn’t ready to make its own batteries, despite years of government push to boost domestic energy storage. The collapse of the sodium-ion battery startup underscores just how difficult it is to move from promising lab tech to large-scale manufacturing in America.
Image Credits:Natron
A Startup With Big Plans That Never Materialized
Natron had spent 12 years developing its sodium-ion battery technology, positioning itself as a safer, cheaper alternative to lithium-ion. The company even secured $25 million worth of purchase orders for its Michigan factory.
But there was a catch: Natron couldn’t ship a single unit until it received UL certification, a standard that validates safety and performance. That process can drag on for months, and with investors unwilling to bridge the funding gap, the company ran out of cash.
Investors Walk Away as Delays Mount
Sherwood Partners, Natron’s primary shareholder, tried to sell its stake but found no buyers. Without fresh capital, the startup was forced into liquidation. Most employees are being laid off, with only a small team left to oversee the wind-down.
The process is being carried out through an “assignment for the benefit of creditors,” a faster and quieter alternative to bankruptcy. This allows Natron’s assets to be sold off without the lengthy court proceedings typical of Chapter 7 cases.
Why Natron’s Collapse Signals a Bigger Problem
Natron’s liquidation shows why the US isn’t ready to make its own batteries: building a domestic supply chain requires more than innovation. Startups face a timeline mismatch—developing a new battery can take over a decade, while investor interest often fades within just a few years.
Without stronger industrial policies, America’s battery ecosystem risks being hollow, dependent on foreign suppliers, and vulnerable to market shocks. The lesson is clear—policy and funding consistency matter just as much as technological breakthroughs.
The Harsh Reality of Building Batteries in the US
Scaling from lab success to a gigafactory isn’t just about engineering; it’s about survival. Certification delays, fluctuating investor confidence, and lack of coordinated federal support make it nearly impossible for startups like Natron to thrive.
Until the US builds a more stable bridge between research, commercialization, and mass production, more promising battery companies could meet the same fate.
