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Nascent Batteries, a Philippine startup, plans to pilot test its sodium-ion battery packs in 2025, aiming to address energy storage needs as the country targets a renewable energy capacity of 35% by 2030. The batteries are intended primarily for the starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) market but are also applicable for residential and industrial energy storage.

Sodium-ion batteries are expected to be more affordable and safer than lithium-ion batteries, which pose thermal runaway risks. Supported by investments from Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and First Philippine Holdings Corp., Nascent operates the country's first private advanced battery research lab in Quezon City.

Pilot testing is expected to last six to twelve months before commercial production begins. Sodium-ion technology can utilize existing lithium-ion battery production infrastructure, allowing for rapid development alongside lithium-ion solutions.