Revolution in Graz: Sodium-ion batteries set new standards!

Revolution in Graz: Sodium-ion batteries set new standards!

The Graz-based high-tech company ACCUPOWER has achieved a significant breakthrough in battery technology with the market launch of sodium-ion batteries. This new type of battery, which goes by the name NATEC (“Natrium Technologies”), is the first industrial solution of its kind in the world. Sodium-ion batteries are considered a more sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries due to their more environmentally friendly properties and the use of sodium, a globally available raw material.

Sodium-ion batteries are electrochemical systems that store and release energy by transporting charge between a positive electrode (cathode) and a negative electrode (anode). This technology offers several advantages, including cost-effective manufacturing thanks to the greater availability of sodium and improved safety. It also shows lower temperature sensitivity and enables consistent performance during temperature fluctuations. The batteries could therefore be used in particular in areas where the highest safety requirements apply, such as the automotive industry and medical technology.

Sustainability and safety

ACCUPOWER's sodium-ion batteries not only offer greater fire safety, but also a service life that is up to four times longer than their lithium-containing counterparts. Moritz Minarik, CEO of ACCUPOWER, describes the market launch of this technology as a crucial milestone for the sustainable industry. COO Bettina Haberler emphasizes the importance of reducing dependence on critical, rare raw materials. These properties make sodium-ion batteries a promising solution to the challenges associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries, such as environmental impact and dependence on rare materials.

However, the advancement of these technologies also brings challenges, including the need to develop efficient cathode and anode materials that offer both high energy densities and long lifetimes. The Energy Experts Platform reports this and also points out that optimizing cycle stability is another important task on the way to the widespread use of sodium-ion batteries.

Use in the automotive industry

The application of sodium-ion batteries is also becoming increasingly relevant in the field of electric vehicles. One example is the Chinese company Hina Battery, which has equipped the Sehol E10X with sodium ion technology. This conversion enables the vehicle to achieve a range of around 250 km with a 25 kWh battery. However, it remains to be seen whether the Sehol E10X will be delivered with sodium-ion batteries as standard in the future. Nevertheless, this shows that the technology is becoming increasingly important for e-mobility, especially when you take into account the significant cost advantages of up to 30 to 40 percent compared to lithium-ion batteries.

The next generation of electric vehicles could therefore be significantly more sustainable and cost-effective, which is also prompting major automobile manufacturers such as BYD to think about using this new battery technology. At the same time, however, it remains unclear when German manufacturers will switch to sodium-ion technology. While the benefits are clear, rapid development and optimization of the associated materials will be critical to the success of this technology.

ACCUPOWER, which was founded in 1998 and has been part of the MOONS GROUP in Graz since 2022, has already gained its first industrial customers, including well-known companies such as Porsche, AVL and Rosenbauer. With over 90,000 custom-made products in 52 countries, the company continues to position itself as a pioneer in the area of ​​sustainable energy supply.