Altech Batteries has achieved a key milestone with the successful launch of its CERENERGY ABS60 prototype, a 60kWh battery installed at the Fraunhofer IKTS lab in Dresden, Germany, which, according to the company, is already surpassing initial performance expectations.
The prototype has passed all physical tests, showing remarkable efficiency and stability during daily charging and discharging cycles, Altech said in a media release.
Integrated into a specially designed battery test station, the unit is undergoing continuous evaluation under real-world conditions.
The testing aims to assess the battery’s overall performance, providing vital data to support future commercial applications.
Iggy Tan, CEO and Managing Director of Altech, expressed confidence in the breakthrough, stating, “We are extremely pleased that the first CERENERGY® 60kWh battery prototype is now up and running, operating better than expected.”
He continued, “This reconfirms our confidence in the sodium-chloride solid-state battery technology developed by the world-leading Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.”
Tan emphasised the advantages of CERENERGY® technology, which eliminates the need for lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, and manganese.
The sodium-chloride batteries offer a lifespan of 15 years, nearly double that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, and can operate across a wide range of temperatures.
The company further reported that the prototype will continue testing and refinement, delivering critical data for potential off-take agreements as Altech moves closer to constructing a 120MWh production plant.
With a Letter of Intent for 30MWh of offtake from Schwarze Pumpe Industrial Park already in place, Tan believes the prototype’s success will further support commercial partnerships.
Altech’s joint venture partner, Fraunhofer, also conducted extensive individual cell testing at their Hermsdorf facility.
A total of 497 battery cells were produced and tested at 300°C. Over 500 cycles, the cells maintained a consistent discharge capacity of 80Ah with an efficiency rate of up to 91 per cent, showing no signs of degradation.
For further information, visit Altech’s website.
