The US battery industry is heating up, riding the wave of soaring European demand for home energy storage. San Diego-based Unigrid has seen a surge in orders from countries like Spain and Germany, capitalising on the high cost of peak electricity during scorching summer months.

Sodium-ion batteries, the focus of firms like Unigrid, promise to be cheaper and safer alternatives to lithium-ion, potentially addressing the environmental and safety concerns surrounding the latter. Yet, the path to global domination is fraught with challenges, including the dominance of Chinese manufacturers in the technology race.

Despite these hurdles, US companies remain optimistic. David Bell of Emerald Battery Labs believes sodium-ion batteries could capture 80% of the market. But for now, they're still relying on Chinese cells, focusing on developing safer designs and improved technology.

The race is on to not only produce sodium-ion batteries in the US but also to ensure they’re more cost-effective and efficient. With companies like Peak Energy partnering with giants like GM, the future of energy storage is becoming a global battleground.