Startups Develop Innovative Battery Tech to Reduce EV Reliance on Critical Minerals

As of August 25, 2025, startups around the world are racing to develop new battery technologies that could disrupt the electric vehicle (EV) market. These startups are exploring the use of materials like sodium and sulfur, as well as other innovative chemistries, in an effort to reduce costs and decrease reliance on certain critical minerals.

Currently, China controls a staggering 85% of global battery cell production and 90% of the processing of raw materials used in the two lithium-ion variants that dominate the EV market today. However, the battery technology landscape is rapidly evolving, with various alternative options emerging.

While the basic principle of battery design remains unchanged, with three key components - a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte - the industry is exploring a wide range of battery types, including lead, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, sodium nickel chloride, lithium metal polymer, and more. The most promising alternatives to the dominant lithium-ion batteries appear to be sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur technologies, which offer the potential to eliminate the need for critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

As automakers weigh their long-term options, the future of EV battery technology is poised to undergo a significant transformation, with startups leading the charge to develop innovative solutions that could reshape the industry.