Sodium nickel chloride batteries were developed in the 1980s. The technology has been successfully applied in stationary and mobile applications by companies such as FiammSonick, Google, IVECO, IRIZER, GE, Daimler, Ford.
Sodium nickel chloride batteries are characterized by high energy density, long cycle life, long calendar life, zero self-discharge, and no maintenance. The technology is certified as inherently safe by USABC (U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium). The battery is environmental friendly and fully recyclable without toxic waste. It tolerates a wide temperature range, as well as overcharge and over-discharge what makes the battery management easy.
Today’s technology has two main draw backs. The battery is running at high temperature and the power density is relatively low. This is impeding the wider adoption in the market. According to the Sandia National Laboratory sodium nickel chloride batteries have the highest developmental potential amongst all popular battery technologies.