Hithium Unveils Plans for Hong Kong R&D Hub, Advances in Sodium-ion Battery Tech

SMM reported that during the public notice period from April 30 to May 7, Sail Limited Liability Company released a sourcing plan (GX-20260430461), intending to procure a batch of sodium-ion battery modules and casings through sole-source procurement, designating Guangdong Highstar Sodium Star Technology Co., Ltd. as the supplier. The order was intended for R&D and exhibition participation in a sodium-ion battery project, with delivery required by May 30. Highstar Sodium Star is PRET's core sodium-ion battery platform, focusing on the polyanion (NFPP) route. Its products feature wide temperature range, high safety, and long cycle life advantages, and have achieved volume supply in energy storage, backup power supply, and low-speed vehicle applications. This supplier designation marked another milestone for the company in automotive start-stop power supply and OEM supporting applications. The commercialization of sodium-ion batteries in China is rapidly expanding from energy storage to automotive scenarios.

According to SMM data, compared with the rapid growth of cathode and anode materials, the electrolyte and battery cell markets maintained high YoY growth but were affected in the short term by factors such as cost control, capacity alignment, and the pace of end-use demand release, presenting an operational landscape of "stability with adjustments."

As the sodium-ion battery scaling and commercialization process continues to accelerate, industry dividends are being released at a faster pace in 2026. April, as a key period at the start of Q2, saw a notable recovery in the sodium-ion battery cathode and anode materials market. Demand-side stockpiling willingness increased, capacity expansion pace accelerated, product mix differentiation became more prominent, and the industry as a whole moved toward a positive supply-demand synergy.