Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt has announced the development of a sodium-ion battery aimed to be deployed in energy storage systems. According to the company, the technology has been tested for an energy density of more than 160 watt-hours per kilogram at its R&D campus in Västerås, Sweden.
Battery withstands high temperatures
Northvolt presents the product as more safe, cost-effective, and sustainable than conventional nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC) or iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistries. Because of the battery’s tolerance for high temperatures, the company sees great potential for usage in energy storage solutions, especially in upcoming markets such as India, the Middle East, and Africa.
Free from lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite
Being composed of a hard carbon anode and a Prussian White-based cathode, the sodium-ion technology which Northvolt developed together with research partner Altris is free from lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite. According to Northvolt, the technology can be produced with locally sourced materials, providing an opportunity to develop regional battery manufacturing capacity independent of traditional battery value chains.
Also an option for electric mobility?
The first generation of the sodium-ion cells is designed primarily for energy storage. Nevertheless, Northvolt is confident subsequent generations will deliver higher energy density, making it viable for use in electric mobility solutions.
