BYD Co. (1211.HK, BYDDF) said it has made significant progress in battery technology, disclosing that its latest sodium-ion cells could support as many as 10,000 charge cycles, far exceeding the durability of most electric-vehicle batteries currently in use. The Chinese automaker, a key rival to Tesla Inc. (TSLA), also said its sodium-ion research platform has entered a third generation, while separately advancing plans to begin limited production of sulfide-based solid-state batteries by 2027, according to an investor note cited by industry sources.
According to an investor note reported by industry sources, BYD said its sodium-ion batteries could support up to 10,000 charging cycles. This number stands well above the cycle life of most batteries currently used in electric vehicles. In addition, BYD confirmed that its sodium-ion battery research platform has now entered its third generation, showing steady progress in development.
These announcements arrive during a period of mixed market performance for BYD. While battery innovation remains strong, recent sales figures and stock movements have drawn attention. Even so, BYD’s focus on long-lasting batteries highlights how competition in the EV space continues to intensify, especially as Tesla also reports key battery breakthroughs.
BYD’s sodium-ion batteries promise a much longer life for EVs
Battery life plays a major role in how people view electric vehicles. Many buyers worry about how long a battery will last and how often it might need replacement. Today, most EV batteries can handle between 1,500 and 3,000 charge cycles. A single charge cycle usually means using most of the battery’s energy and then charging it back to full.
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BYD’s latest claim changes that picture. The company says its sodium-ion batteries could reach up to 10,000 charge cycles. This represents a major leap when compared to today’s standards. More charging cycles usually mean a longer battery life, which can allow vehicles to stay usable for many more years.
To understand the impact, it helps to look at existing benchmarks. A typical Tesla battery lasts roughly 300,000 to 500,000 miles, which equals about 1,500 charge cycles. BYD itself has said that its Blade lithium iron phosphate batteries can last for around 5,000 cycles. Now, BYD’s sodium-ion technology aims to go far beyond even that level.
As a result, a higher cycle count could reduce the need for battery replacements. This matters not only for private car owners but also for commercial fleets, taxis, and delivery vehicles that operate daily and cover long distances. A longer-lasting battery can also help lower ownership costs over time.
In addition, BYD shared that its sodium-ion battery research platform has reached its third generation. Each new generation typically brings better materials, improved performance, and higher efficiency. Although BYD did not release detailed technical data, reaching a third-generation platform suggests the technology has moved past early experimentation.
Sodium-ion batteries also rely on sodium instead of lithium. Since sodium is more abundant and widely available, this shift could help lower costs and reduce dependence on scarce resources. Therefore, longer lifespan and material availability together could make sodium-ion batteries an attractive option for future electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
BYD advances solid-state batteries with a 2027 production target
Alongside sodium-ion progress, BYD also shared important updates about its solid-state battery efforts. Solid-state batteries often appear in discussions about the future of electric vehicles because they offer clear advantages over current battery designs. Unlike traditional batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries rely on solid materials.
BYD revealed that its sulfide-based solid-state battery could reach small-scale production by 2027. Small-scale production usually means limited manufacturing rather than mass deployment. Still, this timeline shows that the technology is moving steadily closer to real-world use.
Solid-state batteries can improve safety because they reduce the risk of leaks and overheating. At the same time, they can support faster charging and longer lifespans. Higher energy density also allows vehicles to travel farther on a single charge without increasing battery size.
The use of sulfide materials matters because these materials allow ions to move quickly within the battery. As a result, charging times can improve while performance remains stable. For drivers, this could mean shorter charging stops and more reliable batteries.
Although BYD has not announced large-scale production plans yet, the move toward small-scale production signals meaningful progress. Many automakers around the world continue to invest heavily in solid-state research. Therefore, competition in this area remains intense, with multiple companies racing to bring the technology to market.
Sales pressure, potential partnerships, and rising rivalry with Tesla
These battery announcements come during a challenging moment for BYD’s market performance. BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares recently declined after the company reported weaker sales in January. Sales in the Chinese domestic market fell by about 30 percent last month, with 210,051 vehicles sold. Compared to December 2025, this figure represented a steep drop of roughly 50 percent.
Such fluctuations often occur in the auto industry, especially around year-end periods. However, the sharp decline still caught investor attention and added pressure to BYD’s stock.
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At the same time, reports suggested that BYD was in discussions with Ford about supplying batteries for hybrid vehicles. This development comes as demand for fully electric vehicles slows in parts of the U.S. market. Meanwhile, interest in hybrid vehicles has grown.
Ford’s hybrid sales rose 18 percent year over year in the fourth quarter, reaching about 55,000 units. Battery supply partnerships can help automakers adapt to changing demand while expanding their reach across different vehicle segments.
Meanwhile, Tesla has also shared progress in battery technology. Tesla outlined advances in its dry electrode battery process, which avoids the use of wet solvents such as N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone. These solvents pose risks to both the environment and human health.
Tesla says the dry electrode approach improves energy density while simplifying battery manufacturing. A simpler process can reduce production complexity and support faster scaling.
Together, these developments show how battery innovation continues to drive competition between BYD and Tesla. Even as sales figures and market conditions shift, advances in battery lifespan, chemistry, and manufacturing remain central to the future of electric and hybrid vehicles.
