The developers of the largest battery manufacturer in Europe, Northvolt, have announced the achievement of a significant breakthrough in the field of battery technology. In their Swedish laboratory, a battery was developed that does not contain any critical minerals. This sodium-ionic element has an energy density above 160 VT/h, which exceeds the average lithium-ion analogues (145 TV/kg).
A few weeks ago, Northvolt invested in a new ALTRIS battery technology, which is considered safe and cost -effective. Using Cathode material from Altris Fennac, including iron, nitrogen, sodium and carbon, Northvolt intends to create a battery without using scarce materials such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, manganese and graphite.
Although sodium batteries will not be able to compete with lithium-ion in a large radius of action, in particular for automobile batteries, the Director of Communications Northvolt, Anders Thor, expressed optimism regarding the possibilities of the invention. He noted that the current generation of sodium-ion batteries with a density of 160 watts per kilogram is the best option for energy storage, there is also a way to higher energy density, which opens prospects for use in transportation and can significantly reduce the cost and increase the stability of electrical mobility. Previously, the developers have already introduced batteries that are charged from the wind. The KitePower Hawk startup offers mobile batteries with air snakes that can be useful in remote areas and as a temporary solution for work at the place of work.
