In Amiens, a French startup called Tiamat has delayed its plan to build a sodium battery factory, according to AFP. The project, which was meant to be part of France’s growing battery industry, has been postponed due to challenges in securing enough investment. Tiamat, which was founded in 2017, had originally aimed to launch its industrial project in the Somme region, but the delay highlights broader struggles in Europe’s battery sector, particularly in France. The Battery Valley, a region in northern France aiming to become a hub for battery manufacturing, is also facing hurdles. Stellantis, TotalEnergies, and Mercedes are involved in another major battery factory called ACC, which is also encountering difficulties. Hervé Beuffe, Tiamat’s CEO, explained that securing the necessary funding for such a large-scale project is especially difficult for a young company. The initial phase of Tiamat’s project required about 200 million euros in investment and was expected to create 400 direct jobs, with production set for the end of 2028. However, private investors have been cautious, leading the company to scale back its ambitions. Tiamat is currently producing batteries through Asian subcontractors, a strategy Beuffe described as “by default.” While this approach allows the company to continue operations, it is not seen as a long-term solution. Stellantis had previously invested in Tiamat through its Stellantis Ventures division, aiming to support the development of a battery supply chain that doesn’t rely on lithium or cobalt. These materials are commonly used in batteries but can be less effective in cold weather. The investment was initially meant for tools and stationary storage, with automotive applications planned for a later stage. Tiamat’s sodium-ion battery technology is not primarily designed for electric vehicles, but rather for smaller applications such as electric tools, appliances, or backup storage for data centers. Sodium is used instead of lithium, reducing reliance on imported minerals and offering faster charging times. However, sodium batteries have lower energy density, making them unsuitable for long-distance electric vehicles. Tiamat is focusing on partnerships, such as with Endeavour, to develop this niche market. Meanwhile, China is also advancing sodium-ion battery technology for both stationary storage and electric vehicles, with production expected to begin as early as 2026.