In the quest for better batteries, researchers have turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: nature. A new study proposes a hybrid battery concept called SwiftPulse, drawing parallels from electric fish and birds to tackle the enduring challenges of energy storage. The need for batteries that can charge rapidly, last for years, and store substantial energy is particularly pressing for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, where current chemistries often fall short.
SwiftPulse combines sodium-ion cells, known for their energy storage capabilities, with niobium-oxide cells, which excel at handling high-power pulses. The design also incorporates a pulse-based charger and a battery-management strategy that allows clusters of cells to rest and recover, much like how birds rest half their brains during sleep. This innovative approach aims to create a battery that can recharge to 80% in under ten minutes, endure over ten thousand charge-discharge cycles, and achieve an energy density exceeding 175 Wh per kg.
The study uses simple models to demonstrate that a battery pack composed mostly of sodium-ion modules, supplemented by a smaller fraction of niobium-oxide modules, could meet these ambitious targets. Simulations suggest that pulsed charging reduces ion buildup at the surface, slowing degradation and extending the battery’s lifespan. The researchers outline a roadmap for experimental validation at both the cell and module levels and propose integrating machine learning to optimize pulse parameters and rest scheduling.
By blending insights from biology, electrochemistry, and data-driven control, this work offers a promising path toward batteries that are safer, faster to charge, and longer lasting. The study is available on arXiv here: .
Source: [arXiv](http://arxiv.org/abs/2509.23837v1)