Hungarian start-up presents battery breakthrough

A Hungarian start-up is causing a stir in the battery industry. Edortech has introduced "ONLi," a patented tin anode technology that, according to independent tests, can significantly increase the performance of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The product is ready for mass production, former President János Áder announced at the Planet Budapest 2026 sustainability fair.

The technology was developed over more than a decade at the state-owned Bay Zoltán Research Institute. Unlike many competitors, the team focused on the anode—a central component of modern batteries that has received less attention to date.

ONLi is a powder-, solvent-, and binder-free metal alloy-based anode system. According to Edortech, it can achieve up to 70 percent higher energy density and 1.8 times the capacity of conventional graphite or silicon-carbon anodes.

Greater range, lower costs

According to the company, the technology enables higher energy density, faster and safer charging, and a longer service life. Electric vehicles could achieve a significantly greater range with the same battery charge – or get by with smaller batteries.

Another advantage is that the anodes can be integrated into existing production lines without extensive retrofitting. This greatly simplifies industrial scaling.

Strategic dimension

Edortech CEO Ádám Vida emphasized the geopolitical importance of key technologies in the energy sector. Those who are not involved in their development will have to adapt to the decisions of others. The company plans to raise capital within two to three years to build a plant with a production capacity of 1,000 tons.

Talks with major players in the industry, including Tesla, are already underway. Representatives of international battery manufacturers have also expressed positive views on the potential applications.

ONLi's launch comes at a time of structural uncertainty in the global battery market. Experts point to overcapacity and intense competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. However, industry experts see the Hungarian innovation as having the potential to fundamentally improve the efficiency and cost structure of production.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews.