On August 10, 2026, ZNL Energy AS and High Performance Battery Technology GmbH (HPB) signed a Letter of Intent to establish ZNL as the preferred supplier of its advanced ZNL-NPx separator material for HPB’s upcoming solid-state battery cell production. The agreement reflects both companies’ shared goal of advancing industrial-scale manufacturing of solid-state batteries in Europe.
Under the LOI, ZNL-NPx deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, contingent upon successful product qualification and the execution of a definitive supply contract. Initial volumes will align with HPB’s authorized manufacturers’ production ramp-up plans. ZNL-NPx is a non-porous, fire-retardant separator engineered for next-generation lithium-ion, sodium-ion and solid-state applications. The material addresses critical performance parameters such as safety, cycle life, energy density and regional supply chain resilience.
HPB’s solid-state battery technology centers on an inorganic solid-state electrolyte (HPB SSE) that is cast into the cell in liquid form and then cures to create a solid, ion-conducting core. During cell assembly, the ZNL-NPx separator prevents electrode short circuits in the liquid phase, while its reduced thickness—significantly slimmer than traditional glass-fabric separators—creates space for additional electrode pairs and increases overall cell capacity. The separator’s handling characteristics also support more efficient series production.
Joint testing, initiated in 2024, has demonstrated that cells combining HPB SSE and ZNL-NPx can sustain over 4,500 charge-discharge cycles at a 1C/1C rate and room temperature, delivering improvements in both manufacturability and energy density compared to incumbent separator solutions.
Benjamin Ferstad, CEO of ZNL Energy AS, noted that the LOI signifies a transition from technical validation to a long-term industrial partnership. Dr. Sebastian Heinz, CEO of High Performance Battery Technology GmbH, said the collaboration reinforces HPB’s ambition to scale a European solid-state battery solution where safety, performance and supply chain integrity are key.
Both companies aim to support a fully integrated European solid-state battery value chain, targeting multi-gigawatt-hour annual production capacity. ZNL is simultaneously scaling its separator manufacturing capabilities in Europe to meet anticipated demand.
