KUALA LUMPUR: The automotive battery industry, long defined by lead and lithium, is bracing for a jolt of change as sodium-ion technology takes centre stage, ushering in what some see as the dawn of a new energy era.
Aeson Power Malaysia managing director Jin Chan said the sector has been around for hundreds of years, a mature, saturated market that has seen little disruption until now.
"Battery replacement has always been a headache for drivers, and now, for once, there's a long-lasting, superior product at an attractive price point. I think this is a new ocean for us," he said at the launch of Aeson Power's sodium-ion battery here today.
Chan said Malaysia's high car ownership rate, among the highest in Southeast Asia, bodes well for the adoption of sodium-ion batteries, which could reshape the dynamics of vehicle maintenance for everyday drivers.
With millions of cars on the road, he said the demand for durable, efficient and climate-resilient batteries has never been greater.
"The sector is well-established but remains fast-evolving, driven by innovation and changing consumer expectations," he said.
To meet that demand, Aeson has launched its next-generation sodium-ion automotive battery series, marking a major step forward in Malaysia's transition toward more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
"This product is a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that not only elevate automotive performance but also contribute to a more sustainable future," Chan said.
Conventional lead-acid batteries, he noted, often struggle in Malaysia's hot and humid climate, where high temperatures accelerate wear and cause swelling, faster degradation and reduced performance.
In contrast, sodium-ion batteries remain stable and safe even under extreme heat, a crucial advantage in tropical conditions where reliability and resilience are paramount.
Chan said Aeson's rollout strategy in Malaysia has been swift and comprehensive, scaling across multiple fronts, from workshop and distributor networks to corporate clients.
"We're not going to be the only ones in the future, but we are the first and we truly believe in the strength of our product and our principle," he added.
While competition in the battery market remains intense, Aeson views the outlook as promising, noting that energy storage is increasingly a necessity, not a luxury.
Globally, sodium-ion technology is still in its infancy, but its growing adoption signals a shift toward safer, more efficient and climate-resilient power solutions.
"For Malaysia to have this now, I think it's a very good opportunity. It's a privilege for a lot of drivers out there, and we really want to push this," Chan said.
