Chinese battery pioneer urges shift to sodium to reduce 75% lithium import reliance
Hina Battery is establishing a 2 GWh sodium-ion battery production line in Wuhan to support commercial transport and cargo operations along the Yangtze River. This development is significant as it leverages local carbon resources to reduce reliance on imported lithium, ensuring stable battery supply for heavy-duty vehicles.
The focus on sodium-ion battery chemistry was highlighted at the national science awards in Beijing on July 8, 2026. Chen Liquan, a pioneering figure in the battery sector, received the National Highest Science and Technology Award for his contributions to manufacturing, as reported by China Daily. In his address, Chen emphasized the need for the automotive industry to develop alternative cell manufacturing processes to mitigate global resource bottlenecks.
Local engineering alternatives are crucial for protecting automotive manufacturing from external mineral supply risks. The presentation showcased advanced solidification techniques and platform architectures optimized for heavy logistics operations. These material innovations aim to secure vehicle assembly lines by leveraging abundant regional natural resources.
Chen stressed that maintaining an industrial lead requires a unique vision and independent material innovations, rather than replicating foreign technologies. He highlighted the importance of building independent hardware architectures to ensure vehicle production volumes remain stable amid international trade volatility.
This strategic approach addresses resource constraints, as the domestic new energy vehicle sector is heavily reliant on external supply chains. By accelerating alternative cell programs, manufacturers can stabilize long-term factory output across high-volume automotive tiers. Chen concluded that alternative chemistries are essential for stabilizing the broader automotive sector.
Scaling alternative cell production involves upstream chemical-material shifts to bypass volatile global trade networks. Industrial suppliers are developing specialized processes for sodium battery coal anodes to replace costly synthetic graphite. This shift utilizes local carbon resources, protecting battery margins in budget vehicle segments.
Recent tests indicate that mass-produced alternative cells are nearing cost parity with traditional lithium iron phosphate options. Certified data confirms that CATL Changan's sodium cells achieved a production cost of 0.051 USD per watt-hour. These packs provide an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, sufficient for powering heavy commercial hauliers.
Hina Battery has integrated these concepts into active vehicle lines by establishing its headquarters in Wuhan. The company is constructing a 2 GWh sodium pack line to serve nearby commercial transport operations and 115,000 cargo vessels along the Yangtze River. These configurations maintain a 90% capacity retention at -20°C, addressing winter performance challenges for Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles.
According to China EV DataTracker May 2026 data, CATL led the market with 33.08 GWh of installations, securing a 46.7% share, followed by BYD at 11.87 GWh with 16.8%. Second-tier suppliers Gotion High-tech, Calb, Eve Energy, and Rept Battero held market shares ranging from 6.3% to 3.7%.
The remaining top rankings included Zenergy, Sunwoda, Energee, and LG Energy Solution. This transition to alternative hardware ensures long-term volume stability for future vehicle lines.
Source: Graphite Feed