China is giving some batteries a tax break. These batteries use sodium instead of lithium, a different material. From September 2026, a new tax adds 2% to certain lithium battery sales. It rises to 4% in September 2027. Sodium batteries that meet national rules do not pay this tax through 2028.
Hina Battery plans a new factory in Wuhan, China. Building work should start in early 2027. The company hopes to start making batteries before that year ends. It is also working with Chengli Special Automobile Group on electric trucks for cleaning and waste collection.
Sodium batteries may work better in very cold weather. Truck maker FAW Jiefang tested one in a heavy electric truck at minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The battery could still hold more than 90% of its usable energy.
Sodium is available in more places than lithium. But sodium batteries hold less energy for their size or weight. They may need to be bigger or heavier to hold the same energy as lithium batteries. Also, lithium prices have fallen, so the tax break does not mean sodium batteries cost less to make.
