Solid-state battery developer Altech Batteries has completed a full suite of safety self-destruction validation tests on its sodium-nickel-chloride (SNC) battery technology, which it recently began selling.

The tests were designed to simulate the most severe field hazards that can occur during storage, transport or operation. Across all the scenarios, which included direct fire exposure, rod penetration, over-charge, ballistic impact, drop test, impact test and submersion, the SNC cells and modules demonstrated chemical stability and mechanical resilience. No explosions, thermal runaways or uncontrolled reactions were recorded in the tests, Altech said.

The SNC cells remained sealed and intact after being exposed to an 850° C gasoline fire for 30 minutes, while rod penetration and water exposure produced only harmless steam. The flames were extinguished within one minute. A drop of 10 meters onto a steel pole, simulating an impact at approximately 30 mph and crash at 48 km/h caused minor dents, without leakage or rupture. Immersion for 2.5 hours in 3.5% saltwater did not cause any external reaction or voltage loss, while an over-charge at 145% nominal voltage for one hour produced no venting, swelling or heat generation. Bullet impacts only caused brief smoke, while the structure and voltage remained stable.

“These independent abuse tests confirm what long-term field data has been telling us for years—our sodium-nickel-chloride technology batteries produced by partner company AMPower, are exceptionally safe,” said Altech Managing Director Iggy Tan. “Even under direct fire, impact or over-voltage, the cells remain sealed and stable. This level of intrinsic safety is a major differentiator for Altech. Our SNC batteries can endure conditions well beyond certification limits while maintaining integrity and performance.”

Source: Altech Batteries