Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) said sodium-ion batteries are expected to see large-scale commercial adoption beginning in 2026, as rising lithium prices reshape cost dynamics across the battery supply chain. The world’s largest power battery maker made the comments at a supplier conference in Ningde, its headquarters city in China’s Fujian province, according to local media outlet Cailian.
The company said sodium-ion batteries are set to be deployed across multiple applications, including battery swap systems, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and energy storage.
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CATL described sodium-ion and lithium-ion technologies as forming a new “dual-star” development pattern, reflecting parallel growth paths for both chemistries. The remarks come as lithium carbonate prices in China have climbed more than 50% over the past three months, surpassing 110,000 yuan ($15,700) per tonne.
Rising raw material costs have begun to affect the broader battery supply chain. Several lithium iron phosphate (LFP) manufacturers, including Hunan Yuneng, have recently announced production suspensions citing equipment maintenance, as downstream customers resist higher prices. Earlier this month, Shanghai Securities News reported that multiple LFP producers were seeking price increases, with one planning to raise processing fees by 3,000 yuan per tonne starting January 2026.
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CATL said it first introduced its sodium-ion battery technology in 2021, when lithium prices were also elevated. Interest in the technology later waned as lithium costs declined, but has recently resurfaced. In April, the company launched its sodium-ion battery brand, Naxtra, positioning it as a complementary solution to lithium-based systems. CATL said Naxtra batteries can reach an energy density of up to 175 watt-hours per kilogram, comparable to lithium iron phosphate batteries, and offer a driving range of up to 500 kilometers with a cycle life exceeding 10,000 charges.
