Cygni Energy and HiNa Partner to Drive Sodium-Ion Battery Innovation for Electric Vehicles in India

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Hyderabad-based Cygni Energy Private Limited, a key player in energy storage solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with HiNa Battery Technologies, a global leader in Sodium-ion technology. This collaboration aims to create India-specific storage solutions using HiNa’s cutting-edge Sodium-ion cells, with a focus on sustainable and cost-effective energy alternatives to Lithium-based batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries, which rely on abundant and less critical minerals compared to Lithium, are seen as a promising alternative for specific applications. These batteries offer multiple advantages, including enhanced safety, high tolerance to extreme temperatures, and support for fast charging. For many applications in India, such as three-wheelers (3W) and stationary storage, the lower energy density of Sodium-ion is not a constraint. The abundant availability of Sodium also helps mitigate price volatility, which is crucial for India’s decarbonization goals.

Venkat Rajaraman, CEO of Cygni Energy, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “HiNa is a global leader in the Sodium-ion space, and together, we can develop innovative applications with this technology. Sodium-ion batteries perform exceptionally well in low temperatures, are highly safe, and offer comparable cycle performance to Lithium-ion batteries. India’s transition to a low-carbon economy will benefit greatly from these batteries, which can be fast charged in under 30 minutes and provide excellent cost-performance.”

Telecom towers, many of which are located in regions with extreme temperatures, are particularly well-suited for Sodium-ion technology, according to the company. Additionally, Sodium-ion batteries are expected to be ideal for commercial and industrial energy storage, offering a cost-effective and safe alternative to traditional solutions. Other potential applications include grid-scale storage, solar-powered street lights, home energy storage, and electric three-wheelers.

HiNa, a pioneer in Sodium-ion battery technology with over 100 patents, is one of the few companies globally with commercially proven Sodium-ion cells. The company’s innovative Layered Oxide Cathode technology has powered significant projects, including a 100 MWh grid storage facility, demonstrating the maturity of its technology for industrial deployment.

Dr. Kun Tang, CEO and Co-Founder of HiNa, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “India is aggressively investing in decarbonizing its power and transportation sectors, and Sodium-ion is a great fit due to its low cost and extreme temperature tolerance. Cygni Energy’s state-of-the-art battery manufacturing facility will help accelerate the adoption of Sodium-ion batteries in India, enabling us to develop advanced energy storage solutions tailored to the country’s needs.”

With two gigawatt-scale manufacturing facilities already operational, HiNa is poised to play a critical role in India’s energy transition, alongside Cygni Energy’s local expertise in battery manufacturing. This partnership is expected to significantly boost the adoption of Sodium-ion technology in India’s energy and transportation sectors, providing a sustainable and affordable alternative to Lithium-based solutions.

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