A new type of sodium-ion battery, developed in China, is now matching the performance parameters and production quality of Tesla’s lithium-ion batteries.

Developed by the company Hina, the battery’s high power capability, and strong low‑temperature performance makes these cells attractive for stationary storage.

“The combination of good uniformity, high power capability, and strong low‑temperature performance makes these cells attractive for stationary storage, grid services, and shorter‑range or commercial vehicles where potential lower cost and resource availability matter more than maximum driving range,” says Moritz Schütte, a battery researcher at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. 

To assess how Hina batteries compare to more advanced Tesla batteries, Schütte’s team used a non-destructive technique called impedance spectroscopy to measure the uniformity of 120 sodium-ion battery cells. Next, to map out the power and energy performances of individual cells under real-life conditions, the team tested the batteries at varying currents and at temperatures from −20 °C to 45 °C. They also used X-rays to see the battery’s internal structure, then opened up the cells to measure their electrode dimensions, compositions, and microstructures, according to a press release. 

It was also found that the battery uses a tabless, a double-aluminum current collector design that reduces resistance and ensures a uniform temperature distribution—and also mirrors the current design of Tesla batteries.  

“We were positively surprised by how uniform the cells are. The high‑power performance was better than one might expect from an early commercial sodium‑ion product. However, for applications that require frequent charging at low ambient temperatures, appropriate thermal management or operating strategies will be important because low-temperature charging remains a clear weakness,” said Schütte. 

Researchers also found unexpectedly high, unevenly distributed levels of copper in certain cathode regions of the battery.

“It raises interesting questions about its role in performance and aging,” said Schütte. “It will be exciting to see future sodium-ion technologies that are free of nickel and copper, as well, while achieving competitive energy density.” 

Since sodium is much more abundant and widely available than lithium, using it for batteries could cut raw material costs for manufacturers and reduce long-term supply chain risks. Sodium-ion batteries also perform well under load at low temperatures, making them an appealing option for both stationary power storage and mobile applications in cold climates, as per the release.

“The cell delivers performance and production quality comparable to state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries: impedance variation across 120 cells is 5.3%, capacity remains over 100% at 4C (25°C), and usable discharge energy above 80% at −20°C, though this value drops to 56% in the charging direction,” said researchers.