Opinion | To Wean Off China, Build Domestic Batteries

The Trump administration’s criticism of Ford Motor’s Chinese battery partnerships (“Ford’s Use of Chinese Tech Is Criticized,” U.S. News, Sept. 9) raises a larger question: How will Washington help American companies build competitive alternatives?

Battery independence requires domestic capability across materials, technology and manufacturing. It is hard to create energy independence with lithium-ion batteries because every stage is Chinese-dominated. A U.S. company may make the energy-storage system, but the lithium cells come from China. Or it may be the lithium-cell manufacturer, but technological know-how and the processed materials come from China.

Sodium-ion offers a unique opportunity to break this supply-chain chokehold. The U.S. has abundant domestic raw materials for a sodium-ion battery supply chain and innovative companies working to commercialize the technology. Chinese companies are forging ahead as well, but we are in the early stages of commercialization and still have the opportunity to be the global leader, provided these American companies can finance the transition from pilot production to commercial scale.

The American Battery Leadership Coalition advocates for federal support across the sodium-ion storage ecosystem. American businesses need a credible path to affordable, reliable domestic supply. If Washington wants them to reduce their dependence on Chinese battery technology, it must help build the industrial capacity that makes that a practical choice.

Graeme Grant

Alsym Energy

Malden, Mass.

Mr. Grant is chairman of the American Battery Leadership Coalition.