Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-21 02:47Core Insights - The price of lithium carbonate is gaining significant market attention, with predictions of potential price surges due to increasing demand and supply constraints [2][3] - Sodium-ion batteries are expected to effectively complement lithium-ion batteries due to their favorable cost-performance ratio, rate capability, low-temperature performance, and stable electrochemical properties [3][4] - The sodium-ion battery industry has completed its initial phase and is poised for significant scale expansion, driven by rising lithium battery material prices and advancements in sodium battery technology [4] Summary by Sections Lithium Carbonate Price Trends - On November 20, the main contract for lithium carbonate on the Shanghai Futures Exchange surpassed 100,000 yuan, marking a more than 30% increase since October 9 [2] - Predictions from Ganfeng Lithium's chairman suggest that if lithium carbonate demand grows by over 30% to 40% by 2026, prices could exceed 150,000 yuan/ton or even 200,000 yuan/ton due to supply imbalances [2] Sodium-Ion Battery Developments - Sodium-ion batteries, while having lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries, are seen as having advantages in cost-effectiveness and performance in specific applications such as energy storage and lower-tier electric vehicles [3] - The collaboration between Rongbai Technology and CATL positions Rongbai as the primary supplier of sodium-ion cathode materials, with a commitment from CATL for significant annual procurement contingent on performance metrics [2] Industry Expansion and Future Outlook - The sodium-ion battery industry has established a foundational ecosystem, with significant advancements made by leading companies like CATL, which has developed sodium-ion batteries with a specific energy density of 160 Wh/kg [4] - The rising prices of lithium battery materials are narrowing the cost gap between sodium and lithium batteries, enhancing the market potential for sodium batteries under the leadership of major battery manufacturers [4]