China’s first sodium-ion dump truck has entered service in the country’s mining sector. Hina Battery and Tonly Heavy Industries delivered the all-electric vehicle to Sanyou Mining in July 2026. As a result, the project marks a major step for sodium-ion batteries in heavy-duty transport. It also shows how Chinese manufacturers are moving this battery chemistry into real commercial use.
The new truck uses Tonly’s TLE120 platform. In addition, it carries Hina Battery’s Haixing Sodium-ion Battery system. The battery pack provides 676 kWh of storage capacity. According to the companies, the cells deliver more than 165 Wh/kg in energy density. The battery can also charge fully in just 20 to 25 minutes. Moreover, Hina says the system can deliver more than 8,000 charge cycles under regular fast-charging use.
China’s first sodium-ion dump truck begins mining service
Tonly and Hina designed this truck for demanding mining operations. Mining sites often require vehicles to run across multiple shifts. Therefore, fast charging and long cycle life matter a lot. Sodium-ion batteries fit that use case well. They support frequent charging, and they keep performance stable over many cycles. As a result, operators can keep trucks working longer with less downtime.
The companies also point to strong low-temperature performance. That feature matters in mining regions with severe winters. Hina says sodium-ion chemistry performs well in cold conditions. Consequently, mining fleets can maintain more reliable operations when temperatures fall sharply. The chemistry’s durability also helps in rough industrial environments where vehicles face constant heavy use.
China’s first sodium-ion dump truck uses a 676 kWh battery
The battery system sits at the center of the truck’s value proposition. Hina’s Haixing pack stores 676 kWh, which gives the vehicle the energy needed for heavy loads and repetitive work cycles. At the same time, the more than 165 Wh/kg energy density shows steady progress for sodium-ion cells in large commercial vehicles. While passenger EV discussions often focus on range, mining trucks depend more on uptime, charging speed, and durability. This truck targets those priorities directly.
Fast charging supports that goal. A full charge in 20 to 25 minutes can help fleets return vehicles to service quickly. Furthermore, more than 8,000 cycles can translate into extended operational life. For mining operators, that combination can improve scheduling and asset utilization. Therefore, the truck serves as more than a technology demonstrator. It also acts as a working industrial tool that can produce valuable field data.
China’s first sodium-ion dump truck reflects a wider trend
This launch did not happen in isolation. Instead, it fits into a broader expansion of sodium-ion battery use in China. The chemistry already appears in stationary energy storage systems, passenger cars, and heavy-duty trucks. Now, dump trucks have joined that list. That wider rollout suggests growing confidence among Chinese manufacturers and fleet operators.
In June 2026, FAW Jiefang completed extensive road tests with a heavy-duty electric truck using a Hina sodium-ion battery. The test vehicle covered more than 15,000 kilometers over nearly seven months. FAW said the battery retained more than 90% of usable capacity at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. In addition, the company said the battery was designed for more than 8,000 fast-charging cycles. These figures reinforce the case for sodium-ion batteries in commercial transport.
China’s first sodium-ion dump truck arrives as production expands
Battery makers across China continue to scale sodium-ion development. In May 2026, CATL announced a five-billion-yuan investment to expand sodium-ion battery production capacity to 40 GWh per year. A month later, CATL said it planned to equip up to 20,000 vehicles with the technology in 2026. Meanwhile, BYD reported up to 10,000 charge cycles for its developmental sodium-ion cells. BAIC also presented prototypes with energy density above 170 Wh/kg.
These updates show clear momentum. More importantly, they indicate that sodium-ion batteries are moving beyond pilot projects. Manufacturers are now targeting large-scale vehicle deployment, better cell performance, and broader industrial use. Therefore, the debut of a sodium-ion dump truck looks like part of a sustained market shift rather than a one-off event.
What China’s first sodium-ion dump truck means for heavy EVs
China’s first sodium-ion dump truck gives the industry a real-world example of how this battery chemistry can serve heavy commercial vehicles. The truck combines a 676 kWh battery, more than 165 Wh/kg energy density, 20-to-25-minute charging, and over 8,000 cycles. Those figures make it relevant for tough duty cycles in mining. At the same time, the deployment gives Hina, Tonly, and Sanyou Mining a platform to gather operating data in live conditions.
Looking ahead, the project could help speed up sodium-ion adoption in construction and mining equipment. As manufacturers improve production scale and vehicle integration, more fleets may consider the chemistry for specialized heavy-duty roles. For now, however, this launch already stands out. It places China’s first sodium-ion dump truck at the front of a fast-growing segment in electric industrial transport.
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