China EV Sodium Battery Application in New Energy Vehicles

There are two core adjustments in this new regulation: firstly, raising the battery threshold for low-speed electric vehicles (with a speed of ≤ 70km/h), requiring an energy density of no less than 80Wh/kg from 2026 and passing safety tests for needle puncture/high-temperature abuse; The second is to include Sodium-ion battery in the subsidy category of "green power batteries" (50 yuan per kWh), and clarify their compliance qualifications in the fields of energy storage and low-speed transportation.

This is a 'precise push': Previously, the mainstream lead-acid batteries for low-speed cars had an energy density of only 40-50Wh/kg and failed safety tests, basically being driven out of the market; The current mass production of Sodium-ion battery has an energy density of 120-140Wh/kg and a safety pass rate of over 95%, just in line with the standard line. According to GGII calculations, after the implementation of the new regulations, the demand for sodium electricity in low-speed vehicles will jump from 10 GWh in 2025 to 50 GWh in 2026, with an increase of 400% - this is the underlying policy logic for Sodium-ion battery breakthrough.

Looking at scenario adaptation again: Low speed car users want to be "cheap, durable, and safe" - Sodium-ion battery are 10% more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but have a 50% increase in range (sodium batteries have a range of 150km, while lead-acid batteries only have 100km) and a cycle life of 2000 times (lead-acid batteries only have 500 times), resulting in a 20% lower cost per kilometer. In the energy storage scenario, Sodium-ion battery have a capacity retention rate of over 80% at -20 ℃, making them more suitable for northern energy storage power stations than lithium batteries.