Key Findings
Sodium-ion battery commercialization is accelerating through a “lithium-sodium complementary” strategy, targeting niche scenarios where lithium is less effective. Industry experts project that cell costs will reach RMB 0.35/Wh by the end of 2028, marking the inflection point for mass adoption. Currently, sodium batteries are seeing deployment in AI data centers (AIDC), telecommunications base stations, grid-side energy storage, and two-wheelers.
Technical Details and Standards
Two national standards released in August 2026—GB48072 (safety) and GB48098 (performance)—impose stricter requirements than existing lithium frameworks:
- Safety: The nail penetration test requires full penetration rather than the shallow penetration (10mm or one-third depth) used for lithium. Drop tests are mandated from 1.5 meters for cells and 2 meters for modules onto concrete.
- Performance: Standards require energy efficiency of at least 92% and capacity retention of no less than 90% over 1,000 cycles.
- Temperature: Low-temperature capacity requirements are categorized into three tiers: -40°C, -30°C, and -20°C.
While currently recommended, these will transition to mandatory standards. Additionally, four international standards are under development to facilitate overseas market entry.
Background and Context
The shift toward sodium is driven by resource security; China’s external dependence on lithium resources is 72%. According to Professor Li Jinghong of Tsinghua University, lithium’s share of new-type energy storage fell from 97.5% at the end of 2025 to 94% in the first half of 2026.
Commercial Deployment and Significance
Practical applications are leading the breakthrough in harsh environments. China Tower is piloting 48V100Ah and 48V50Ah products in Tibet, Heilongjiang, and Xinjiang to prevent the “freezing and losing power” issues associated with lithium iron phosphate batteries. In the AIDC sector, Veken Technology’s HR50 laminated product supports 3C charging (and 6C discharging in extreme cases) with an expected life of 8,000 cycles under 1C conditions. These deployments indicate a shift where third-party certification has moved from an optional bonus to a mandatory entry ticket for market access.
Source: https://finance.biggo.com/news/63789b0e-d9ee-4d5a-8bd9-41a54b82d812
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