A recent teardown published in the Cell Press journal Cell Reports Physical Science has found that a commercial sodium-ion battery from Chinese manufacturer Hina matches Tesla’s lithium-ion cells on manufacturing quality and internal design. Researchers at Germany’s RWTH Aachen University measured cell-to-cell resistance varying by just 5.3% across 120 cells, indicating tightly controlled production. This development is significant for the battery industry as it shows that sodium-ion batteries can be produced with similar quality to lithium-ion batteries, potentially paving the way for more widespread adoption. Sodium-ion batteries have the potential to be more cost-effective and sustainable than lithium-ion batteries, as sodium is more abundant and less expensive than lithium. Electrek

Long-duration energy storage startup Ore Energy has landed what it says is the largest iron-air battery deal in continental Europe. The deal highlights Europe's growing interest in alternative battery technologies that can provide long-duration energy storage. Iron-air batteries have the potential to provide energy storage for several days, making them an attractive option for grid-scale energy storage. The technology uses iron and air to generate electricity, making it a potentially more sustainable and cost-effective option than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Electrek

CATL is expanding its truck battery-swap technology to Europe, with a planned roll-out in the UK by 2027. The company has partnered with UK-based company Octopus to launch the battery-swap service, which will provide trucking companies with a convenient and efficient way to swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones. The technology has the potential to reduce downtime and increase the adoption of electric trucks in the region. CATL's expansion into Europe is a significant development for the battery industry, as it highlights the growing demand for electric vehicle technology in the region. CnEVPost