In a technological breakthrough, Northvolt has introduced a cutting-edge sodium-ion battery, achieving a remarkable energy density of over 160 watt-hours per kilogram. This milestone is a crucial addition to Northvolt’s cell portfolio, signalling a significant leap forward in the development of cost-efficient and sustainable energy storage systems on a global scale.
The state-of-the-art sodium-ion battery, validated at Northvolt Labs in Västerås, Sweden, outperforms conventional nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC) or iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries in terms of safety, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Leveraging minerals such as iron and sodium, readily available in global markets, the battery utilises a hard carbon anode and a Prussian White-based cathode. Notably, it is devoid of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite, marking a shift towards more environmentally friendly battery technologies.
Peter Carlsson, CEO and Co-Founder of Northvolt, expresses enthusiasm about the technology’s potential to accelerate the energy transition. Carlsson sees this breakthrough as a vital step towards achieving global sustainability goals by making electrification more cost-efficient, sustainable, and accessible worldwide.
Developed in collaboration with research partner Altris, the sodium-ion technology is poised to underpin Northvolt’s next-generation energy storage solutions. With a focus on low cost and safety at high temperatures, this technology holds particular promise for energy storage applications in emerging markets like India, the Middle East, and Africa.
One distinctive feature of the sodium-ion technology is its ability to be produced using locally sourced materials, offering a unique pathway for establishing regional battery manufacturing capacity independent of traditional value chains. Northvolt’s vision extends beyond the energy storage realm, with plans to introduce subsequent generations of sodium-ion cells for cost-efficient electric mobility solutions.
Northvolt’s sodium-ion technology is positioned as a complement to its existing product portfolio, which includes premium lithium-ion battery cells tailored for automotive customers. Moreover, the company is actively developing energy-dense lithium-metal battery technology through Cuberg, a Northvolt subsidiary based in San Leandro, USA.