Sodium-ion Battery pivot is gaining momentum in China after battery pioneer Chen Liquan called for faster development of alternative cell hardware. He delivered that message at the national science awards in Beijing on July 8, 2026. China Daily reported that Chen received the National Highest Science and Technology Award for his historic contributions to battery manufacturing. Moreover, his remarks placed sodium-ion battery technology at the center of China’s next industrial push.
Chen argued that long-term industrial strength depends on original materials research and independent engineering. He said the industry should not rely on copying overseas technology paths. Instead, automakers and battery makers should develop distinct hardware platforms that use abundant domestic resources. As a result, China can reduce its exposure to imported lithium and build a more resilient battery supply base.
Sodium-ion battery pivot targets lower lithium import reliance
The core issue is clear. China’s new energy vehicle sector still depends heavily on external mineral supply chains. The article states that the country relies on imports for 75% of its lithium needs. Therefore, Chen’s call for a sodium-ion battery pivot carries strategic weight for the EV and commercial vehicle industries.
Sodium stands out because it is widely available and supports localized manufacturing plans. In addition, suppliers can pair sodium chemistry with regional raw materials and domestic processing capacity. That approach helps battery companies protect margins and secure production continuity. It also gives automakers more flexibility when they plan future vehicle programs.
Chen also linked battery chemistry to industrial security. He stressed that a country needs its own vision to maintain a lead in advanced manufacturing. Consequently, he urged the sector to create independent material systems and hardware architectures. Those efforts can support stable vehicle output even when global trade conditions shift.
Sodium-ion battery pivot gains support from production advances
China’s sodium-ion battery push now rests on more than strategy alone. It also has measurable production progress behind it. Recent testing shows that mass-produced sodium cells are moving close to cost parity with lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, cells. That matters because cost remains a major factor in high-volume EV adoption.
According to the provided data, CATL and Changan’s sodium cells reached a production cost of $0.051 per watt-hour. That figure gives the chemistry stronger commercial relevance in 2026. At the same time, these battery packs deliver an energy density of 175 Wh/kg. This level supports practical use in heavy commercial transport and other demanding applications.
Upstream materials also play an important role. Industrial suppliers are scaling a process that uses coal-based anodes for sodium batteries. This approach can replace higher-cost synthetic graphite in some configurations. Therefore, manufacturers can lean more on local carbon resources and strengthen domestic battery economics.
Sodium-ion battery pivot supports cold-weather and logistics use
The chemistry also fits applications that need dependable performance in tough operating conditions. Hina Battery has already moved from concept to deployment. The company set up its headquarters in Wuhan and is building a 2 GWh sodium battery pack line. This facility will serve nearby commercial transport operations and support cargo activity along the Yangtze River.
The scale of that river market is notable. The article says about 115,000 cargo vessels operate along the Yangtze River. That creates a meaningful opportunity for battery suppliers that target marine and heavy-duty transport. Furthermore, sodium battery packs in this segment can benefit from strong low-temperature behavior.
Hina’s configurations retain 90% of capacity at -20°C. That figure is important for fleet operators in northern and inland regions. It also supports winter reliability for Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles and similar logistics platforms. As a result, sodium-ion battery systems can serve use cases where stable cold-weather output matters.
Sodium-ion battery pivot fits China’s battery market structure
China’s battery market already has the scale to support new chemistry adoption. China EV DataTracker figures for May 2026 show that CATL led installations with 33.08 GWh and a 46.7% market share. BYD followed with 11.87 GWh and 16.8%. Meanwhile, Gotion High-tech, Calb, Eve Energy, and Rept Battero each held shares between 6.3% and 3.7%.
Other top suppliers included Zenergy, Sunwoda, Energee, and LG Energy Solution. This broad supplier base matters because it gives the market multiple channels for chemistry diversification. In other words, the sodium-ion battery pivot does not depend on a single company. Instead, it can spread across several manufacturers, platforms, and vehicle classes.
Overall, Chen Liquan’s message goes beyond one award speech. He outlined a practical route for the next stage of China’s battery industry. By advancing sodium-ion battery hardware, China can use abundant local resources, support commercial fleets, and reinforce production stability. In 2026, that makes sodium-ion technology one of the most closely watched directions in the country’s EV supply chain.
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