CATL and BYD are betting on a new type of EV battery to overcome rising lithium prices

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The world's two largest battery manufacturers, Chinese giants CATL and BYD, are investing heavily in sodium, which is emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative to lithium. The Chinese battery industry is beginning to make significant investments in sodium. In early 2026, the price of lithium carbonate exceeded 170,000 yuan (approximately €20,512) per ton, renewing the interest of giants like CATL and BYD in other chemistries. While not …