Hungarian startup unveils battery breakthrough

A Hungarian startup is making waves in the battery industry. Edortech has unveiled “ONLi,” a patented tin anode technology that, according to independent tests, can significantly boost 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-run Bay Zoltán Research Institute. Unlike many competitors, the team focused on the anode—a central, yet previously overlooked component of modern batteries.

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

Longer 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 on the same battery charge—or get by with smaller batteries.

Another advantage: The anodes can be integrated into existing production lines without extensive retooling. This significantly simplifies industrial scaling.

Strategic dimension

Edortech CEO Ádám Vida emphasized the geopolitical significance of key technologies in the energy sector. Those not involved in their development, he said, would 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.

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

The launch of ONLi comes at a time of structural uncertainty in the global battery market. Experts point to overcapacity and intense competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. Industry insiders, however, see the Hungarian innovation as having the potential to fundamentally improve production efficiency and cost structures.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews