Solid-State Battery Breakthrough Unlocks High-Power Performance for IoT Devices
As connected devices grow smaller, smarter, and more demanding, one critical component has struggled to keep pace: the battery. But a breakthrough in solid-state energy storage may soon change that.
France-based ITEN, a company specializing in Surface-Mount Device (SMD) solid-state batteries, has announced the scaling of a new battery technology capable of delivering discharge rates 100 times higher than conventional lithium-ion batteries—a leap that could reshape energy management for the next wave of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
High-Power in a Tiny Package
ITEN’s latest innovation is at the heart of its newly announced Powency™ product family, a lineup of miniature, rechargeable batteries designed for high-power bursts. The flagship model—measuring just 18 mm²—can deliver a 200C discharge rate, translating to a peak current of 30 milliamps in ultra-short pulses.
This kind of performance is a game-changer for applications like asset tracking, remote sensors, and LPWAN communication, where devices often lie dormant for long periods and then suddenly require high bursts of energy to transmit data. Traditional lithium-ion batteries, typically capped at 2C to 5C discharge rates, can’t deliver these bursts without sacrificing size, reliability, or cost.
A Perfect Match for Energy Harvesters and Hybrid Architectures
Because of their high-power density and fast recharge capabilities, Powency™ batteries are especially suited to work alongside energy harvesters like solar or vibration-based generators. These pairings allow for continuous operation of IoT devices without frequent battery replacements—a significant win for both cost and sustainability.
ITEN is also positioning its batteries as a hybrid solution, acting as energy buffers for primary cells in systems that benefit from extended lifespan, faster response times, and reduced overall power draw.
Under the Hood: Nanomaterials and Mesoporous Electrodes
The secret behind this performance boost lies in ITEN’s full-ceramic electrodes, which use a patented mesoporous structure to maximize surface area and efficiency. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that rely on flammable liquid electrolytes and metal-based cathodes, ITEN’s design is completely solid-state—boosting both safety and cycle life.
According to the company, these batteries retain over 50% of their capacity at -20°C, a stark contrast to typical lithium-ion batteries that lose up to 90% of their performance in the cold. They can also be recharged to 80% in just six minutes and endure up to 250 full-depth cycles at 70°C.
Moving Toward Scaled Manufacturing
ITEN’s Dardilly-based pilot facility is currently capable of producing 30 million batteries per year, with plans to ramp up capacity by 2028. Over 100 companies are already sampling the technology or integrating it into next-gen designs for smart homes, medical wearables, agriculture sensors, and more.
“With industry-leading power density and full manufacturing readiness, we are solving some of the IoT sector’s most pressing challenges,” said Vincent Cobée, CEO of ITEN.
Safety, Customization, and Environmental Benefits
ITEN’s solid-state platform is inherently safer—removing risks of fire or thermal runaway—and is also designed with sustainability in mind. The batteries are free of cobalt and heavy solvents, and the entire manufacturing process is compliant with RoHS and REACH regulations. Custom battery designs are also possible, giving developers new flexibility to tailor energy storage to specific applications.
As the global market for connected devices continues to explode, technologies like Powency™ offer a rare trifecta: performance, safety, and sustainability. For an industry long constrained by battery limitations, ITEN’s breakthrough may be just the power boost it needs.
