South Africa’s Muno showcases sodium batteries with a 10-year lifespan at Automechanika
One of the new faces at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 was South African start-up Muno, which used the exhibition to introduce its innovative sodium-based battery technology to the automotive and energy sectors.
Making its debut at the three-day event held from 27 to 29 October, the young company attracted attention with a battery solution designed to address growing energy demands in modern vehicles while reducing long-term ownership costs.
According to co-founder and Head of Product Development Ellen Kwenda, advances in vehicle technology have significantly increased power requirements, yet many modern vehicles still rely on battery technologies that have changed relatively little over the decades.
Kwenda, who is currently pursuing a doctorate in Chemistry, explained that features such as smart-stop systems, advanced infotainment systems and blind-spot monitoring technologies place increasing demands on vehicle electrical systems.
“Cars continue to evolve rapidly, but the batteries powering many of these technologies have not advanced at the same pace,” she said.
Harnessing local resources
Muno's approach centres on the use of sodium-based battery technology supported by resources such as sodium, manganese and vanadium, which are available within South Africa.
The company believes local production of battery technologies using locally available materials can support economic development while reducing reliance on imported resources. According to Kwenda, sodium offers several advantages as a battery material.
“Why sodium? It is an abundant element. It doesn’t have all those geopolitical issues that are tied with it,” she explained.
By leveraging materials that are more readily available, Muno aims to create a battery solution that is both environmentally and economically sustainable.
A shift beyond lithium
The company's technology aligns with a broader global interest in alternatives to lithium-based batteries.
While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate many automotive and energy storage applications, concerns around resource availability, environmental impacts associated with mining, and supply-chain vulnerabilities have encouraged research into alternative battery chemistries.
Sodium-based batteries are increasingly being viewed as a promising option due to the abundance and accessibility of sodium in many regions around the world.
Built for longevity
Muno’s batteries are fully rechargeable and are supplied with a four-year warranty. However, the company believes their greatest advantage lies in their expected lifespan.
The batteries are designed to remain operational for up to 10 years, offering vehicle owners a longer-lasting alternative to conventional solutions.
This extended lifespan has the potential to reduce replacement frequency and lower the total cost of ownership for motorists and fleet operators over time.
For customers, the ability to invest in a battery that lasts significantly longer than traditional alternatives may deliver substantial long-term savings while reducing waste.
A young company with ambitious goals
Founded in 2025, Muno remains a relatively new entrant in the energy sector. According to the company, one of its highlights during its first year of operation has been engaging with customers who recognise the value of reducing operating costs through longer-lasting battery technology.
Participation in Automechanika Johannesburg provided an opportunity to introduce the technology to a wider audience and engage with potential customers across multiple industries.
As the company continues to expand, it hopes to build new partnerships and demonstrate how locally developed battery technologies can contribute to South Africa’s growing automotive, energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
