China is leading efforts to advance salt-based batteries, driven by the electric scooter market. In Hangzhou, eastern China, dozens of stylish scooters featuring sodium-ion batteries have garnered public interest. These batteries, derived from abundant sodium extracted from sea salt, offer a promising alternative to traditional Lithium-ion and lead-acid options.
Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Growing Trend
Chinese companies, including Yadea, are spearheading sodium-ion technology to reduce reliance on finite minerals like lithium. Sodium is approximately 400 times more abundant than lithium, making its batteries cheaper and more sustainable in the long term. In April 2025, CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, announced plans to mass-produce sodium-ion batteries under its Naxtra brand. Two-wheelers, which demand lower energy density compared to cars, are proving ideal for these emerging power sources.
Sodium Power and Two-Wheelers
Two-wheelers dominate transport in China, with a record high of 55 million units sold in 2023. Models equipped with sodium-ion batteries are gaining traction for affordability and sustainability. Major manufacturers like Yadea have introduced fast-charging and battery-swapping systems, enhancing convenience for users. Yadea’s pilot program in Shenzhen enables food delivery riders to swap discharged batteries within seconds, reducing downtime.
Expanding Infrastructure
Cities like Shenzhen aim to become ‘battery-swapping cities,’ installing nearly 20,000 battery pods by the end of 2025. The goal is to scale infrastructure for Sodium-ion Battery-powered scooters while boosting accessibility for commuters. The Hangzhou Huayu New Energy Research Institute, established by Yadea, focuses on advancing battery technologies, ensuring quicker adoption and market penetration.
Energy Storage and Global Leadership
Beyond electric scooters, sodium-ion batteries are emerging in energy storage applications. Fixed storage facilities negate weight concerns, benefiting grids in absorbing renewable energy. China’s energy storage plant in Guangxi, powered by sodium-ion batteries, holds 10 megawatt-hours of power—enough to support 1,500 households daily. A projected global capacity of 500 GWh for sodium-ion batteries by 2033 confirms China’s leading role.
Production Scale and Future Outlook
China’s firms have already invested over $7.6 billion in sodium-ion technology, with 27 production facilities announced in 2024 alone. While countries like the US and UK lag behind, Chinese companies rapidly transition these batteries from lab to mass production. With favorable manufacturing synergies and reduced reliance on raw lithium, sodium-ion batteries present a viable, scalable option for achieving greener transport and energy solutions.
From the scooters on Hangzhou’s streets to global energy storage stations, sodium-ion batteries are setting the stage for sustainable innovation. China’s commitment to scaling technology ensures greener options will soon touch millions worldwide.
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