Northvolt unveils groundbreaking sodium-ion battery

Northvolt, a leader in battery technology based in Stockholm, Sweden, announced a significant advancement with the development of a sodium-ion battery, marking a new era in sustainable and cost-effective energy storage globally. Validated at Northvolt Labs in Västerås, Sweden, this battery boasts an energy density exceeding 160 watt-hours per kilogram.

The sodium-ion cell from Northvolt stands out for its safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability compared to traditional nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC) or iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. It utilises abundant minerals like iron and sodium and is free from lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite. The cell features a hard carbon anode and a Prussian White-based cathode. Northvolt aims to be the pioneer in industrialising Prussian White-based batteries for commercial markets.

“Sodium-ion technology is a game-changer for the energy transition. Our breakthrough will enable widespread deployment, contributing significantly to global sustainability goals. This technology makes electrification more affordable and accessible worldwide, which is crucial for achieving sustainability targets,” said Peter Carlsson, CEO and co-founder of Northvolt.

Developed in collaboration with research partner Altris, the sodium-ion technology is a cornerstone of Northvolt’s next-generation energy storage solutions. Its affordability and high-temperature safety make it particularly suitable for emerging markets like India, the Middle East, and Africa. Moreover, the ability to use locally sourced materials offers a unique opportunity to develop new regional battery manufacturing capacities, independent of traditional battery supply chains.

Northvolt’s first-generation sodium-ion cell is primarily designed for energy storage systems. Future generations are expected to offer higher energy densities, paving the way for cost-efficient electric mobility solutions. This technology complements Northvolt’s existing portfolio, which includes premium lithium-ion cells for the automotive industry and lithium-metal battery technology for aviation and high-performance vehicles, developed by Cuberg, a Northvolt company in San Leandro, California, U.S.A.

Carlsson concluded, “Our sodium-ion technology is not just a step forward in battery performance. It’s a leap towards longer-duration energy storage at lower costs, opening new avenues for renewable power generation deployment. The impact of sodium-ion in the renewable energy market will significantly contribute to global electrification efforts.”