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

By Eve

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.

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Original title
“Top Chinese battery pioneer urges sodium hardware pivot to break 75% lithium import reliance”
Published
12 July 2026
Updated
16 July 2026

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