In 2026, the correction in lithium carbonate prices drove up lithium battery production costs. Coupled with uncertainties in lithium resources supply, cost pressure across the new energy industry became increasingly prominent. Leveraging the advantages of abundant sodium resources, balanced distribution, and controllable costs, sodium-ion batteries have leapt from being a “backup option” for lithium batteries to a key direction for industry breakthrough...

Solid-state batteries were a hot topic at the 2026 Two Sessions, where delegates noted that the industry is at a critical inflection point, moving from “samples” to “products.”

In January 2026, the value of newly signed lithium battery production equipment orders by Hymson exceeded 1 billion yuan at once, covering mainstream domestic clients and the overseas market.

This week (February 27, 2026–March 5), more players entered the solid-state battery industry, with various parties “riding” the hype: Sunstone Development and TONZE stated that their sulphide projects were still in the early R&D stage; QingTao’s Wuhai 2 billion yuan project released its EIA public notice, and a 3.5 GWh production line in Taizhou commenced operations; Suzuki acquired Kanadevia’s solid-state battery business

This week (January 30 to February 5, 2026), the scaling of Tesla’s dry electrode process represented a revolutionary breakthrough in manufacturing, while Light-Year Engine’s “launch-to-production” approach marked a bold declaration on the product front. Both point to the core challenges of industrialisation —engineering and cost.

The Quanzhou Municipal People's Government and CATL have officially signed a cooperation agreement for the new energy battery production site project. Quanzhou Vice Mayor Lei Lianming and CATL Assistant to the Chairman and Director of Corporate Planning Department Qu Tao signed the agreement on behalf of both parties. According to the cooperation agreement, the two sides will engage in in-depth collaboration on the R&D and manufacturing of new energy batteries, utilizing advanced green manufacturing technologies to build intelligent, zero-carbon modern factories, improve the industry chain supporting facilities, drive coordinated development among upstream and downstream enterprises, and jointly strengthen the new energy industry ecosystem.

[Xiaomi Auto Unveils Patent Related to Solid-State Batteries] According to Tianyancha APP, Xiaomi Auto Technology Co., Ltd. recently had its patent titled "Solid-State Battery Composite Electrode, Preparation Method, and Solid-State Battery Including the Composite Electrode" published. The patent abstract on Tianyancha indicates that the disclosed solid-state battery composite electrode effectively shortens the transmission path of metal ions within thick electrodes, accelerates the transmission rate of metal ions between electrodes, and exhibits high electrode loading and C-rate performance. (Kechuangban Daily) [CICC: Domestic New Energy Vehicle Sales to Maintain Strong Growth in H2 2025] CICC pointed out that the Chinese new energy vehicle market has shown robust performance since 2025, with wholesale sales of new energy vehicles increasing by 46% YoY from January to April 2025. Looking ahead, CICC is optimistic that domestic new energy vehicle sales will maintain strong growth in H2 2025, driven by the resonance of domestic demand and exports. [Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Benz Recall Certain Imported and Domestically Produced Vehicles] Recently, Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. have filed recall plans with the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with the requirements of the "Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products" and the "Implementation Measures for the Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products." Recall No. S2025M0090V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain domestically produced C-Class and GLC SUV vehicles manufactured between April 25, 2023, and August 17, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 252 units. Recall No. S2025M0094V: Starting from June 13, 2025, certain imported S-Class and EQE vehicles manufactured between February 8, 2023, and October 10, 2023, will be recalled, totaling 257 units. Some vehicles within the scope of this recall used incorrect fuse boxes during previous recall repairs, which may lead to malfunctions in associated systems, resulting in potential loss of power, affecting restraint systems, instrument displays, etc. Additionally, the risk of fire cannot be ruled out, posing safety hazards. Mercedes-Benz (China) Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. will, through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, conduct free inspections of the affected fuse boxes for vehicles within the recall scope and replace them if the part numbers are incorrect to eliminate safety hazards. (Finance News) [Eight Departments Seek Public Comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)"] Eight departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, are seeking public comments on the "Guidelines for the Outbound Transfer of Automobile Data Security (2025 Edition)." Automobile data processors providing automobile data overseas shall declare a data outbound security assessment if any of the following circumstances apply: (1) providing important data overseas; (2) cumulatively providing personal information (excluding sensitive personal information) of over 1 million individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (3) cumulatively providing sensitive personal information of over 10,000 individuals overseas since January 1 of the current year; (4) operators of critical information infrastructure providing personal information overseas; (5) other circumstances specified by relevant state regulations that require a declaration of data outbound security assessment. (Cailian Press) [GAC Group Promises: Rebate Payments to Dealers Will Be Completed Within Two Months Starting Today] GAC Group issued a commitment announcement: As a crucial part of the automotive industry chain, the stable development of dealers is a key factor in ensuring user service and experience. GAC Group actively responded to the initiative of the China Automobile Dealers Association to promote the healthy development of the automotive industry. Alongside its five major vehicle brands—Hyptec, Trumpchi, Aion, Honda, and Toyota—GAC Group promises that starting today, it will ensure the completion of rebate payments to dealers within two months to drive the high-quality development of the automotive industry. (Cailian Press) [MIIT: National Lithium Battery Production Exceeded 473GWh in January-April, Up 68% YoY] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released data indicating that from January to April 2025, China's lithium-ion battery industry continued its growth momentum. According to information from enterprises under the lithium battery industry's standard announcement and calculations by industry associations, the total national lithium battery production from January to April exceeded 473GWh, up 68% YoY. In the battery segment, the production of energy storage lithium batteries exceeded 110GWh, and the battery installations for new energy vehicles were approximately 184GWh. The total export value of lithium batteries nationwide from January to April reached 155.4 billion yuan, up 25% YoY. In the first-stage materials segment, the production of cathode materials, anode materials, separators, and electrolytes from January to April was approximately 1.15 million mt, 760,000 mt, 8 billion m², and 470,000 mt, respectively, all showing YoY increases of over 40%. In the second-stage materials segment, the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 270,000 mt, up 60% YoY, while the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide was 90,000 mt, down 14% YoY. The average prices of battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide (micro powder grade) from January to April were 74,000 yuan/mt and 76,000 yuan/mt, respectively. 》Click for details Related Reading: [SMM Analysis] Breakthrough Achieved in Portugal's Lithium Mine Project; Development of Europe's Largest Spodumene Deposit Accelerates Weekly Summary of the LFP Market in June [SMM Lithium Battery Market Analysis] [SMM Analysis] Behind the 60-Day Payment Commitment: Suppliers' Wry Smiles and Anticipations Cobalt Product Quotes "Plummeting"; Co3O4 Falls by 7,650 Yuan in a Single Week; Will It Stop Next Week? [Weekly Observation] [SMM Analysis] Rio Tinto Partners with Codelco to Enter the Lithium Triangle; $900 Million to Develop World-Class Salt Lake Project [SMM Analysis] Separator Prices Remain Stable [SMM Analysis] Raw Material Drag Causes Price Decline; Policy Window Period May Lead to Bottoming Out and Rebound Battery and Solid-State Battery Sectors Strengthen Again; Multiple Automakers Announce Latest Progress; Lopal Shares Surge with Nearly 6 Limit-Up Moves [Hot Stock] [SMM Analysis] Cathode Material Production Increased MoM in May; Weak Growth in Downstream End-Use Demand [SMM Analysis] Anode Material Production Increased in May Due to Rising Demand [SMM Analysis] Co3O4 Production Increased MoM in May; Industry Players Remain Cautious Cobalt Product Quotes Collectively "Fall"; Cobalt Chloride Smelters' Quotes Remain Firm; Will They Stay High in the Future? [Weekly Observations] [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part I) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part II) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part III) [SMM Analysis] New Breakthrough in Lithium Battery Technology: Can a Single Injection Extend Battery Life?

► Xiaomi Auto Unveils Solid-State Battery-Related Patent ► CICC: Domestic New Energy Vehicle Sales to Maintain Strong Growth in H2 2025 ► Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Benz Recall Certain Imported and Locally Produced Vehicles ► Eight Departments Solicit Public Opinions on the "Guidelines for the Security of Automotive Data Cross-Border Transfer (2025 Edition)" ► GAC Group Commits to Ensuring Dealer Rebate Settlement Within Two Months Starting Today ► MIIT: Total National Lithium Battery Production Exceeds 473 GWh from January to April, Up 68% YoY

[Geely Auto Group: Unifying Supplier Payment Terms to Within 60 Days] In response to the State Council's "Regulations on Ensuring Payments to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers' (CAAM) "Initiative on Maintaining Fair Competition and Promoting Healthy Industry Development," Geely Auto Group announced that it will unify supplier payment terms to within 60 days. This move aims to accelerate the efficiency of capital turnover in the industry chain, ensure the stability of the industry chain and supply chain, fulfill the responsibilities of a leading enterprise, and promote the high-quality development of the automotive industry. (Cailian Press) [Changan Automobile: Unifying Supplier Payment Terms to Within 60 Days] Changan Automobile, along with its subsidiaries Changan Aiteon, Changan Kaicheng, Deepal, and Avatr, announced to the industry that it will unify supplier payment terms to within 60 days. This practical action demonstrates the company's commitment to fulfilling the social responsibilities of a central state-owned enterprise, ensuring efficient capital flow for small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating smooth coordination within the industry chain, and jointly promoting the high-quality development of the industry. (Cailian Press) [BYD Auto: Unifying Supplier Payment Terms to Within 60 Days] According to BYD Auto's official WeChat account, in order to implement a series of deployment requirements from the state and relevant ministries on ensuring the stability of the industry chain and supply chain and promoting the high-quality development of the automotive industry, and to support the healthy development of small and medium-sized enterprises, BYD Auto announced that it will unify supplier payment terms to within 60 days. The company will take practical actions to drive the high-quality development of China's automotive industry. In the future, BYD Auto will continue to promote the steady and long-term development of China's automotive industry through technological innovation and management optimization, working hand in hand with upstream and downstream partners. (Cailian Press) [Chery Group: Unifying Supplier Payment Terms to Within 60 Days] Chery Group stated in a document that, in response to a series of deployment requirements from national ministries and commissions, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), on ensuring the stability of the industry chain and supply chain and promoting the high-quality development of the automotive industry, Chery Group will resolutely implement these requirements. Starting from June 10th, the group will unify supplier payment terms to within 60 days to accelerate the efficiency of capital turnover in the industry chain and ensure the stability of the industry chain and supply chain. (Cailian Press) [XPeng Motors: Unifying Payment Terms to Within 60 Days] XPeng Motors stated that in order to actively respond to and implement a series of deployment requirements from the state and relevant departments aimed at promoting the high-quality development of the automotive industry, ensuring the stability of the industry chain and supply chain, and supporting the healthy development of small and medium-sized enterprises, XPeng Motors announced that it will unify payment terms to within 60 days. [Jinyinhe: Solid-State Battery Collaboration Project Will Have No Significant Impact on Short-Term Performance] Jinyinhe (300619. SZ) announced that the cumulative deviation in the closing prices of the company's stock trading over three consecutive trading days exceeded 30%, indicating abnormal fluctuations in stock trading. The strategic cooperation agreement recently signed between the company and its client aims to deepen collaboration in the field of solid-state batteries. Both parties will continue to build a globally competitive lithium battery production site in the future. This strategic cooperation strengthens the company's technological layout in the solid-state battery sector. The agreement signed by both parties is a long-term strategic cooperation agreement. As of now, both parties are advancing in an orderly manner according to the strategic plan, but there are still uncertainties regarding the transaction, which will have no significant impact on the company's performance in the short term. Related Reading: "Cobalt-related product prices continue to fall": Co3O4 prices drop by 7,650 yuan in a single week. Will the decline stop next week? [Weekly Observation] [SMM Analysis] Rio Tinto and Codelco join forces to enter the Lithium Triangle, investing $900 million to develop a world-class salt lake project [SMM Analysis] Separator prices remain stable [SMM Analysis] Raw material prices drag down overall prices, but a bottom-out rebound may occur during the policy window period The battery and solid-state battery sectors strengthen again, with multiple automakers announcing the latest progress. Lopal shares hit the daily limit for nearly six consecutive trading days. [Hot Stock] [SMM Analysis] Cathode material production in May increased MoM, while downstream end-use demand growth was sluggish [SMM Analysis] Anode material production in May increased due to rising demand [SMM Analysis] Co3O4 production in May increased MoM, with most industry players maintaining a cautious wait-and-see attitude Cobalt-related product prices collectively "fall", while cobalt chloride smelter prices remain firm. Will they maintain high-level fluctuations in the future? [Weekly Observation] [SMM Analysis] Impact of US tariffs on China on the export methods and prices of Chinese ESS battery cells to the US—Exploration of three methods: "direct export from China, re-export via Malaysia, and US domestic production" (Part 1) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US tariffs on China on the export methods and prices of Chinese ESS battery cells to the US—Exploration of three methods: "direct export from China, re-export via Malaysia, and US domestic production" (Part 2) [SMM Analysis] Impact of US tariffs on China on the export methods and prices of Chinese ESS battery cells to the US—Exploration of three methods: "direct export from China, re-export via Malaysia, and US domestic production" (Part 3) [SMM Analysis] New breakthrough in lithium battery technology: Can a single injection extend battery life? [SMM Analysis] Lithium battery recycling procurement continued to decline in May, potentially becoming the year's most sluggish period [SMM Analysis] Ternary cathode material production in May increased by 3.52% MoM [SMM Analysis] Ternary cathode precursor production in May decreased by 3.99% MoM

Recently, a new energy company is installing equipment for the second-phase expansion project of its 4 GWh large-capacity new-type electricity energy storage lithium battery production line, with an expected launch and operation in August, which is expected to add an annual output value of RMB 1.5 billion. It is understood that the company has a total investment of RMB 3 billion and is planning to build a 7 GWh lithium battery project. Among them, the first-phase project already has a production capacity of 3 GWh of new energy lithium batteries annually. In 2024, it produced 383,000 sets of battery swapping batteries for low-speed EVs, 26,000 sets of large-capacity lithium batteries for three-wheelers, and 8,200 sets of batteries for communication base stations. Its products are widely used in the fields of 5G communication backup power supplies, civil power batteries, and renewable energy storage batteries.