Italian startup releases 9.8 kWh sodium-ion battery for residential applications

Italian startup Heiwit has developed a sodium-ion battery for residential use.

Heiwit said the battery poses a lower fire risk, avoids materials with significant geopolitical concerns, and offers easier end-of-life recycling. “The overall cost is lower than lithium counterparts of equal capacity,” the company said in a statement.

The system measures 700 mm x 480 mm x 170 mm and weighs 130 kg. It has a nominal power of 10 kW and an energy storage capacity of 9.8 kWh.

The company said the system provides a round-trip efficiency of 95% and supports a 100% depth of discharge. It operates in ambient temperatures between -10 C and 55 C and offers a reported lifespan of 6,500 cycles at 80% depth of discharge.

Heiwit conducted tests at its experimental plant in Caronno Pertusella, in the northern Italian province of Varese.

“The battery, connected to a proprietary 6 kW hybrid inverter, is now fully operational and able to manage the storage and distribution of energy produced locally from renewable sources,” the statement said.

During initial testing, the battery maintained thermal stability, with cell temperatures between 27 C and 28 C even under high cycling conditions.

The company said the battery can reach full charge in under two hours due to “optimization of the cells and the advanced management of the inverter.”

“This reduces the risk of overheating, prolongs the useful life and improves safety, making the system also suitable for installations without active temperature control,” added Heiwit.

“The system can already be ordered,” said CEO Alessandro Gallani. “For the first few months, priority will be given to premium installers, with technical visits available at the headquarters to evaluate performance in real conditions.”