Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2026-01-28 10:57Core Viewpoint - Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a new investment hotspot amid fluctuations in lithium carbonate prices and companies seeking supply chain security, with significant stock price increases observed in related companies [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - Companies involved in sodium battery development, such as Qicai Chemical, Limin Co., and Wumart New Energy, have seen stock price increases exceeding 20% this year, with Qicai Chemical's stock rising by 58.4% [1]. - CATL has achieved breakthroughs in mass production of sodium batteries, launching the "Ningde Times Tianxing II Light Commercial All-Scenario Customization Series Solution," which is the first mass-produced sodium battery for the light commercial sector [1]. Group 2: Product Features - The newly launched sodium battery has a capacity of 45 degrees and is compatible with various models, including small vans and micro trucks, suitable for new energy commercial vehicles [3]. - The battery retains over 92% usable power at -20°C and can be fully charged even when frozen at -30°C, demonstrating significant advantages in extreme cold environments [3]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Compared to lithium batteries, sodium batteries have advantages such as easier resource availability, better low-temperature performance, higher safety, and less temperature increase during high-rate charging, although they currently lag behind in industrial cost, maturity of the supply chain, and energy density [3][4]. - CATL's CTO has indicated that while sodium batteries may not reach the efficiency of lithium batteries this year, the goal is to make them more economical than lithium-ion batteries within the next two to three years [4]. Group 4: Industry Developments - The sodium battery sector is witnessing a surge in activity, with companies like Jiangsu Zhongna Energy Technology establishing a production base for sodium iron sulfate cathode materials, aiming for an annual output of 30,000 tons and a 5GWh sodium-ion battery pack system [5]. - The application scope of sodium batteries is expanding into two-wheeled vehicles and energy storage, with plans to eventually introduce them into passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and even construction machinery [5]. - A collaboration between JD.com, GAC Group, and CATL is set to launch a sodium battery version of the Aion UT Super, with mass production expected in the second quarter of 2026 [5].