LG Energy Solution is progressing with the construction of a pilot production line for sodium-ion batteries at its Nanjing facility in Jiangsu Province, China, according to a recent report. The company expects to complete the line and begin producing sample cells within the year to assess the feasibility of scaling up sodium-ion battery manufacturing.
Initial research and development for the next-generation batteries will take place at LG Energy Solution’s Daejeon Technology Research Institute in South Korea. From there, the first prototype, referred to as Sample A, will be produced at the company’s main plant in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province. Subsequent stages—Sample B, a finished battery, and Sample C, a product aimed at mass production—are planned for production at the Nanjing site.
China has emerged as a leader in the sodium-ion battery market, supported by a well-established supply chain for key components such as cathode materials. LG Energy Solution’s move to localize production in China is intended to leverage these regional strengths. The company has stated it is evaluating various options for establishing a pilot line, but has not finalized any details.
Sodium-ion batteries first attracted attention in mid-2021 when a leading Chinese battery manufacturer announced its first-generation product amid rising lithium prices driven by strong electric vehicle demand. Although lithium prices later declined, renewed discussions around sodium-ion technology have surfaced following recent increases in lithium carbonate costs. Industry forecasts suggest sodium-ion batteries could see broader adoption by 2026 in applications ranging from battery swapping and passenger vehicles to commercial transport and stationary energy storage.
In South Korea, LG Energy Solution remains one of the top global battery suppliers. Data from a domestic market research firm indicate the company installed 96.9 gigawatt-hours of power batteries between January and November 2025, representing an 11.1% year-over-year increase and securing a 9.3% market share during that period.
Source: CNEV Post
