China’s BYD said it has developed sodium-ion battery products with a cycle life of up to 10,000, signaling progress in an alternative battery chemistry as the company continues to diversify beyond lithium-based technologies.
The disclosure was made during an investor briefing, according to meeting minutes released late Sunday. BYD said the timing of mass production for the sodium-ion batteries has yet to be determined and will depend on market conditions and customer demand.
See also: BYD Previews Song Ultra EV as New B-Class Electric SUV in Song Lineup
Mainstream lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries used in electric vehicles typically offer a cycle life of about 2,000 to 3,000, while batteries designed for stationary energy storage can reach up to 10,000 cycles. BYD said its sodium-ion battery research has advanced to the development stage of a third-generation technology platform.
The company said it has addressed challenges such as sodium precipitation and high-temperature performance through material design based on highly stable poly-anion systems, alongside improvements to its electrochemical systems.
See also: BYD Launches Linghui Sub-Brand Targeting Ride-Hailing and Corporate Fleets
BYD is currently the world’s second-largest power battery supplier, behind CATL. BYD’s battery portfolio is dominated by LFP products, while CATL supplies both LFP and ternary lithium batteries.
CATL introduced its first-generation sodium-ion battery in July 2021, drawing industry attention to the technology. Last week, CATL and Changan unveiled a passenger vehicle equipped with sodium-ion batteries, scheduled for launch in mid-2026. CATL said it will supply its Naxtra sodium-ion batteries to all Changan brands, including Avatr, Deepal, Qiyuan and UNI. The Naxtra battery, launched in April 2025, has an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, comparable to mainstream LFP batteries.
See also: BYD Starts Trial Production at Hungary Plant, Series Output Seen in Second Quarter
Beyond sodium-ion development, BYD said it is pursuing multiple technical pathways in solid-state battery research. Sulfide-based solid-state batteries are viewed as a key direction due to their potential advantages in battery lifespan and fast-charging performance. BYD reiterated that, based on current research progress, small-scale production of its sulfide solid-state batteries is expected by 2027.
Three main technical routes are currently being explored in the solid-state battery sector: oxide, polymer and sulfide.
See also: BYD Invests $14.4 Million in Autonomous Mining Truck Startup Boonray
The company’s battery ambitions come as global competition in the sector intensifies. In January, the Wall Street Journal reported that Ford Motor was in discussions with BYD regarding a potential partnership to supply batteries for hybrid vehicles.
According to data from SNE Research, CATL and BYD together accounted for more than 55% of global electric vehicle battery installations in 2025. CATL remained the largest supplier with installations of 464.7 GWh, while BYD ranked second with 194.8 GWh, underscoring their continued dominance of the global EV battery market.