CATL, the world's largest battery maker, has signed a landmark deal to supply 60 GWh of sodium-ion batteries to energy storage firm HyperStrong over three years. The agreement, the largest sodium battery deal in history, represents half of CATL's total stationary storage deliveries in 2025 and signals commercial readiness for sodium technology.
CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has announced a massive agreement to supply 60 GWh of sodium-ion batteries to HyperStrong, an energy storage system integrator. The three-year deal is the largest sodium battery contract ever signed and equals half of CATL’s entire stationary storage deliveries in 2025. The announcement follows CATL’s declaration that it has overcome ‘all challenges of mass production’ for sodium batteries.
What are sodium-ion batteries and why do they matter?
Sodium-ion batteries use sodium instead of lithium, a far more abundant and cheaper element. This makes them a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially for stationary energy storage where ultra-high energy density is not critical. CATL claims it has solved mass production issues, making these batteries commercially viable at scale.
Deal details: 60 GWh over three years
The agreement with HyperStrong, a specialist in energy storage system integration, stipulates the supply of 60 GWh of sodium batteries over three years. This volume is enormous — it equals half of all stationary storage batteries CATL delivered in 2025. According to Electrek, the deal is seen as a ‘DeepSeek moment’ for the energy storage industry, potentially triggering a paradigm shift in the market.
How will this affect electric vehicle prices?
While the deal primarily targets stationary storage, the success of sodium batteries could positively impact the EV sector. Lower raw material costs (sodium is far cheaper than lithium) could lead to cheaper EV batteries in the future. However, CATL has not yet announced specific plans to use these batteries in vehicles.
What does this mean for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf?
With Saudi Arabia pushing renewable energy and storage under Vision 2030, sodium batteries could be an attractive option for large solar projects. Lower cost and abundant raw materials make them suitable for hot climates, where lithium batteries suffer from heat-related degradation. First shipments are expected to begin in 2027, but CATL has not confirmed availability in Gulf markets.
Conclusion: A historic deal reshaping the battery market
CATL’s deal with HyperStrong is not just a record — it’s a clear signal that sodium batteries are a commercial reality. If this technology scales successfully, we could see a radical shift in energy storage and EV prices in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sodium-ion batteries?
Sodium-ion batteries use sodium instead of lithium, a cheaper and more abundant element. They have lower production costs but also lower energy density than lithium-ion, making them ideal for stationary storage rather than EVs.
How much cheaper are sodium batteries compared to lithium?
CATL has not disclosed specific pricing, but estimates suggest sodium batteries could be 20-30% cheaper than lithium-ion due to lower raw material costs.
When will these batteries reach Saudi Arabia?
CATL has not announced a timeline for Gulf markets. First shipments under the deal are expected in 2027, but regional availability may take longer.
Will sodium batteries be used in electric cars?
Not yet. CATL's current deal focuses on stationary storage. However, if sodium technology matures, it could eventually lead to cheaper EV batteries, though energy density remains a challenge.
Sources
- Electrek — CATL says sodium batteries are mainstream-ready, signs massive 60 GWh deal
