Zheng Quan Ri Bao·2026-02-10 15:41Core Viewpoint - Changan Automobile and CATL have launched a global sodium battery strategy, introducing the world's first mass-produced sodium battery passenger vehicle, set to be released in mid-2026, marking a significant step towards the commercialization of sodium batteries [1] Group 1: Sodium Battery Development - Sodium batteries utilize sodium ions as charge carriers and offer advantages over lithium batteries, including abundant resources, lower extraction costs, wider temperature ranges, fast charging capabilities, and lower thermal runaway risks [1] - By 2025, China's sodium-ion battery production is expected to reach 3.45 GWh, a 96% year-on-year increase, with total production of sodium battery cathodes projected to be 11,000 tons, up 101% [1] - CATL plans to apply sodium batteries on a large scale in various sectors, including battery swapping, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage by 2026 [1] Group 2: Industry Insights - EVE Energy has successfully transitioned its first large-capacity sodium-ion battery energy storage system into commercial operation, marking a key breakthrough in new energy storage technology [1] - EVE Energy's sodium battery headquarters project is set to commence in December 2025, aiming to become a leading sodium battery industrialization base in China, with a 2 GWh production capacity to address market supply gaps [2] - The sodium battery industry is currently in the late stage of commercialization, moving towards growth, with completed technical validations and rapid capacity expansion [2][3] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The rising prices of lithium battery materials are a core driver for the development of sodium batteries, with expectations that sodium battery costs could drop below 0.40 yuan/Wh by 2026, nearing the price level of lithium iron phosphate cells [3] - Sodium batteries are expected to find significant applications in energy storage due to their wide temperature range, high safety, and low cost advantages, particularly in low-end applications where energy density requirements are not high [3] - Despite entering the commercialization phase, the sodium battery industry faces challenges related to technology, costs, supply chains, and market recognition, including high costs of core materials and a lack of unified manufacturing standards [3]