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Natron’s liquidation shows why the US isn’t ready to make its own batteries

finance.yahoo.com · 604 words · saved by 1 readers

Sodium-ion battery startup Natron ceased operations this week, ending the company’s 12-year quest to commercialize its technology in the U.S. The company had $25 million worth of orders lined up for its Michigan factory, but it couldn’t deliver them until it had UL certification, according to Raleigh’s The News & Observer, which reported on the business’s closure because Natron had been planning to bring jobs to the state of North Carolina with its new factory. However, receiving the UL certification can be a lengthy process, often spanning several months. Natron investors balked at releasing more funds, leaving the startup facing a cash crunch. Natron’s primary shareholder, Sherwood Partners, attempted to sell its stake but found no buyers. As a result, it’s liquidating the company and laying off all but a small number of employees, who will oversee the wind-down of operations. The closure is an example of the challenges that come with trying to manufacture batteries without consisten

Natron’s liquidation shows why the US isn’t ready to make its own batteries Image Credits:Natron Tim De Chant September 5, 2025 3 min read BMW.DE -1.34% 6752.T +0.15% 373220.KS +1.26% 096770.KS +1.63% Sodium-ion battery startup Natron ceased operations this week, ending the company's 12-year quest to commercialize its technology in the U.S. The company had $25 million worth of orders lined up for its Michigan factory, but it couldn't deliver them until it had UL certification, according to Raleigh's The News & Observer, which reported on the business's closure because Natron had been planning

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