Sodium-ion heavy trucks are gaining momentum in China as FAW Jiefang advances road testing with Hina Battery. The companies completed nearly seven months of tests on a battery-electric heavy truck. Moreover, the trial covered more than 15,000 kilometers in real operating conditions. The results show strong charging speed, cold-weather performance, and durability for commercial transport in 2026.
Sodium-Ion Heavy Trucks Move Forward in China
FAW Jiefang, the commercial vehicle unit of FAW Group, partnered with Hina Battery to test a Sodium-ion Battery heavy truck across multiple conditions. The project focused on the Jiefang J6P battery-electric tractor. It used a 339-kWh sodium-ion battery pack designed for heavy-duty freight operations.
The testing program ran for almost seven months. During that period, the truck traveled more than 15,000 kilometers. FAW Jiefang tracked performance in scenarios that matched real customer use. As a result, the company gathered practical data on reliability, operating quality, and safety.
FAW Jiefang Sodium-Ion Heavy Trucks Show Strong Test Results
FAW Jiefang said the sodium-ion heavy truck completed full-condition systematic testing. The program included bench tests, vehicle reliability tests, and power performance tests. In addition, the team carried out extreme high-temperature and low-temperature environmental assessments.
These tests showed that the vehicle adapted well to different operating conditions. The truck also maintained stable running quality. Just as importantly, the system delivered strong overall safety performance for heavy commercial use.
One of the most notable figures came from the cold-weather trial. In an environment of -40°C, the battery retained more than 90% of its usable capacity. Therefore, the truck appears well suited for freight routes in northeast and northwest China, where harsh winter conditions can shape fleet decisions.
Sodium-Ion Heavy Trucks Deliver Fast Charging and Long Cycle Life
Charging performance stood out in the FAW Jiefang trial. According to the company, the truck can fully charge in just 20 to 25 minutes. That speed supports high-frequency commercial operations, where downtime directly affects route efficiency and asset use.
The battery also posted a cycle life of more than 8,000 cycles under fast-charging conditions. This figure points to strong durability for fleet applications. Furthermore, FAW Jiefang said the battery chemistry offers solid thermal stability. That feature aligns well with the heavy-load and high-usage demands of logistics vehicles.
Together, these metrics matter for operators. Fast charging can help trucks return to service quickly. Meanwhile, long cycle life can support lower replacement frequency over time. For fleets that run intensive schedules, both factors improve the case for sodium-ion battery trucks.
Why FAW Jiefang Sodium-Ion Heavy Trucks Matter in 2026
The FAW Jiefang project highlights China’s broader effort to commercialize sodium-ion batteries. While passenger vehicles have already started to adopt the chemistry, heavy trucks present a larger opportunity because they demand strong charging speed, durability, and dependable performance across climates.
FAW Jiefang’s latest trial suggests sodium-ion batteries can support those needs in real transport settings. The combination of a 339-kWh pack, sub-30-minute charging, and cold-weather capacity retention gives the technology a strong commercial profile. In addition, the successful road test adds credibility to sodium-ion applications beyond smaller vehicles and stationary storage.
The trial also matters because heavy-duty transport plays a major role in logistics and emissions reduction. As fleet operators seek cleaner vehicles, sodium-ion heavy trucks could become another practical option in the transition to low-carbon freight.
China’s Sodium-Ion Battery Race Expands Beyond FAW Jiefang
FAW Jiefang is not alone in advancing sodium-ion technology. Across China, major battery and auto companies are speeding up development and production plans. That wider investment supports the growth of sodium-ion heavy trucks and related applications.
Hina Battery general manager Li Shujun has said sodium battery prices could reach parity with lithium batteries in 2027 or 2028. He noted that sodium battery costs are falling quickly. At the same time, the industry continues to expand production capacity.
CATL plans to invest 5 billion yuan, or about $735 million, in 40 GWh of new sodium-ion battery capacity in Fujian. The company also secured a 60 GWh sodium battery order for energy storage in late April. Meanwhile, BYD said it developed a sodium battery with a cycle life of up to 10,000 cycles. BAIC Group also unveiled sodium battery samples with energy density above 170 Wh/kg.
These developments show that sodium-ion batteries are moving steadily from research into scaled deployment. Consequently, FAW Jiefang’s truck trial arrives at an important moment for the sector.
What Comes Next for FAW Jiefang Sodium-Ion Heavy Trucks
FAW Jiefang said it will continue to deepen its work in new-energy technology and refine its heavy truck lineup. That strategy points to further testing, product development, and eventual commercialization of sodium-ion heavy trucks.
For now, the company’s road-test data offers a clear signal. Sodium-ion heavy trucks have moved beyond concept stage and into practical validation. With more than 15,000 kilometers of testing, a 339-kWh battery, over 90% usable capacity at -40°C, 20 to 25 minute charging, and more than 8,000 cycles, FAW Jiefang has given the market a strong early benchmark in 2026.
Disclaimer:
The content presented on this page has not been manually verified by our team.
While we strive to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the validity, completeness,
or timeliness of the information provided. Always consult with appropriate professionals
or sources before making any decisions based on this content.
The image is randomly selected and doesn’t necessarily represent the company or the news above.
