LG Energy Solution Launches Sodium-Ion Battery Pilot Line in China

LG Energy Solution is moving forward with the construction of a pilot production line for sodium-ion batteries at its facility in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, as reported recently. The company aims to complete the line and start producing sample cells within this year to evaluate the feasibility of scaling up the manufacturing of sodium-ion batteries.

Initial research and development for these next-generation batteries will be conducted at LG Energy Solution’s Daejeon Technology Research Institute in South Korea. The first prototype, known as Sample A, will then be manufactured at the company’s main plant in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province. Later phases—Sample B, a finalized battery, and Sample C, a product designed for mass production—are scheduled to be produced at the Nanjing site.

China has taken a leading role in the sodium-ion battery market, backed by a mature supply chain for key components such as cathode materials. By localizing production in China, LG Energy Solution seeks to capitalize on these regional advantages. The company has mentioned that it is exploring different options for setting up the pilot line but has not yet confirmed specific details.

Sodium-ion batteries initially gained attention in mid-2021 when a major Chinese battery maker unveiled its first-generation product, amid rising lithium prices fueled by strong electric vehicle demand. Although lithium prices later fell, recent increases in lithium carbonate costs have reignited interest in sodium-ion technology. Industry projections indicate that by 2026, sodium-ion batteries could see expanded use in applications including battery swapping, passenger and commercial vehicles, and stationary energy storage.

In South Korea, LG Energy Solution continues to rank among the world’s leading battery suppliers. According to data from a local market research firm, the company deployed 96.9 gigawatt-hours of power batteries from January to November 2025—an 11.1% increase year-over-year—capturing a 9.3% market share during that period.