Chinese Salt Battery Technology

Chinese sodium-ion ("salt") batteries, led by firms like CATL and HiNa, are rapidly advancing as a low-cost, safer, and temperature-resilient alternative to lithium-ion, especially for EVs in cold regions. They offer faster charging (80% in 15 mins) and 90% capacity at -40°C, though with lower energy density. 

 

Key Aspects of Chinese Salt Battery Technology: 

• Performance: Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) exhibit superior performance in cold temperatures, functioning effectively at -30∘C to -40∘C.
• Safety & Cost: They offer high thermal stability with almost zero risk of thermal runaway and utilize cheaper, more abundant raw materials compared to lithium-ion.
• Development & Deployment: As of early 2026, these batteries are moving from labs to, with 4-wheelers and two-wheelers already adopting them.
• Limitations: Despite rapid advancements, their energy density remains lower than high-end lithium-ion, providing a shorter range. 

Major Players & Developments: 

• CATL: CATL is a leader, with its "Naxtra" sodium-ion battery passing China's national certification (GB 38031-2025).
• Applications: They are increasingly used in small electric vehicles (EVs) and two-wheelers in China, with Yadea launching models in 2025.
• Grid Storage: They are considered ideal for stationary energy storage systems, especially as they can be discharged to 0 volts for safe transport.
• Market Position: While initially aimed at replacing LFP batteries due to low cost, in 2025, some, such as Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, indicated that the cost advantage has temporarily narrowed due to lower LFP prices.