Natron’s Liquidation Proves the US Isn’t Ready for Battery Independence

Natron’s Liquidation Proves the US Isn’t Ready for Battery Independence

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 pr…