Chinese battery pioneer calls for sodium hardware shift to cut 75% lithium import dependence

A prominent Chinese battery industry figure has advocated for a strategic pivot to sodium-based battery technology to reduce China's 75 per cent reliance on imported lithium. The call highlights supply chain vulnerabilities in the battery sector, which underpins electric vehicle production and charging infrastructure development.

Why it matters: Sodium battery adoption could reshape EV charging infrastructure requirements and procurement strategies, as different battery chemistries may demand modified charging protocols. For CPOs and infrastructure developers, a shift away from lithium-dependent batteries could alter equipment specifications and long-term investment planning in charging networks.