Cornex Launches 165Ah Sodium-Ion Prismatic Cells for Stationary Energy Storage

The competitive landscape of large-scale stationary energy storage systems (ESS) is shifting as sodium-ion technology gains traction against the dominant lithium-ion sector. Leading this charge, Chinese battery manufacturer Cornex New Energy has expanded its portfolio with a newly announced series of sodium-ion battery cells tailored specifically for stationary energy storage.

Focusing on the energy storage sector, Cornex recently introduced two new models boasting capacities of 165 Ah and 58 Ah. The flagship 165 Ah sodium-ion variant utilizes a polyanion-type cathode made from sodium iron pyrophosphate (NFPP) paired with a hard carbon anode. Designated as the PN173-165A, this prismatic cell has already secured critical industry certifications, including the Chinese GB national standard, UN38.3, UL, and IEC 62619.

Marketed by the manufacturer as an optimal solution for frequency regulation, the company states the cell delivers an exceptional operational lifespan. Cornex reports a 1P energy efficiency rating of at least 94.5% alongside a cycle life surpassing 20,000 charge-discharge cycles. Physically, the unit weighs 4.5 kilograms and measures 71.7 by 174.4 by 207.2 millimeters.

In response to industry inquiries, Cornex confirmed that the new unit provides a nominal gravimetric energy density of 102 Wh/kg and a nominal volumetric energy density of 182 Wh/L at 0.5P.

To put these metrics into perspective, a comparison with the manufacturer's own 314 Ah LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cell highlights current technological trade-offs. The LFP counterpart weighs 5.6 kilograms—roughly 24% heavier—yet provides approximately 90% more energy capacity, illustrating the density constraints currently inherent to sodium-ion chemistry.

Nevertheless, sodium-ion technology counterbalances these density limitations with significant operational advantages. These include a reliance on abundant and sustainable materials, operational stability across much wider temperature extremes, and enhanced safety profiles, such as higher thermal runaway initiation thresholds. Furthermore, the ability to safely transport these cells at a zero-volt state of charge can drastically mitigate large-scale logistics risks.

588Ah LiFePO4 Cell Advances to Mass Production

In tandem with the sodium-ion news, Cornex also provided an update on its 588 Ah cell, which was initially unveiled in September 2025. Company officials recently confirmed that this high-capacity model is now officially transitioning into mass production.

This 588 Ah unit introduces updated design architecture and impressive specifications, packing a gravimetric energy density of 190 Wh/kg, a volumetric density of 419 Wh/L, and a round-trip efficiency of 96.5%. Its cycle life is rated to exceed 12,000 cycles.

Expanding its reach into mobility and portable power, the manufacturer is also rolling out four new cylindrical battery formats. Tailored for small-scale applications like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools, these cells are available in 10 Ah, 12.5 Ah, 16 Ah, and 26.5 Ah capacities. They are engineered to tackle common pain points in lower-spec power markets, specifically severe range degradation and the inability to reliably start in freezing environments.

Standard lithium-ion alternatives typically suffer heavy performance losses or fail to operate in extreme cold unless equipped with internal heating films. However, these heating mechanisms inherently consume energy and drag down overall system efficiency.

Real-world deployment of sodium-ion technology is steadily accelerating across multiple sectors. On the utility side, companies like Peak have successfully installed the largest grid-scale sodium-ion system in the United States—a 3.5 MWh facility—while substantially larger installations are currently operational across China.

In the consumer hardware space, brands like Bluetti are already integrating sodium-ion cells into portable power stations, such as the Pioneer Na, catering to users requiring versatile, reliable off-grid power in sub-zero climates.

Edit by paco

Last Update:2026-04-14 10:41:35