China pushes sodium‑ion batteries to cut lithium dependence

Chinese scientists and battery makers are accelerating development of sodium‑ion batteries as a cheaper, domestically sourced alternative to lithium‑ion cells. Professor Chen Liquan, a leading battery researcher, urged research into sodium to lessen China's reliance on imported lithium, noting that three‑quarters of its lithium is imported. He highlighted the technology's better cold‑weather performance and potential for cost parity.

Researchers such as Lu Yaxiang have demonstrated batteries that charge in about four minutes and retain 90% capacity after 2,000 cycles using a quasi‑solid gel electrolyte. Companies including CATL and Gotion are scaling production: CATL signed a deal for 60 GWh of sodium batteries for grid storage, while Gotion unveiled 261 Wh/kg cells with 20,000 charge cycles. These advances are expected to bring sodium‑ion costs close to lithium‑ion levels by 2027, helping China reduce its 75% lithium import dependence and providing a domestic supply chain for electric‑vehicle and stationary‑storage markets.