This new facility in Huizhou marks Eve Energy’s commitment to advancing sodium-ion battery technology. With an estimated investment of one billion Yuan ($122 million), they’re setting out to establish the site as a leading industrial hub for these alternative batteries and related technologies by 2026.

According to CN EV Post, construction began on December 22nd at Eve Energy’s headquarters in Huizhou. The company aims to produce sodium-ion cells that match or even surpass lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery energy densities through intensified research efforts and pilot production runs.

Eve Energy is currently ranked fifth among Chinese domestic battery manufacturers with a market share of 3.84%, as per data from the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance (CABIA). Internationally, they hold an estimated 2.6% stake in the global electric vehicle battery market according to SNE Research.

Why sodium-ion batteries? With lithium prices soaring and availability becoming more challenging, companies like Eve Energy are turning towards this cheaper alternative that’s easier to source. The company hopes its new campus will help them stay ahead of competitors by pushing research forward on these promising yet less energy-dense cells.

This ambitious project not only underscores Eve Energy’s dedication but also highlights China’s growing influence in the global battery industry. As lithium prices continue their upward trend, sodium-ion batteries represent a viable alternative that could reshape how we power our electric vehicles and more.

The post Eve Energy Breaks Ground on Sodium-Ion Battery Campus appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

The sprawling facility originally broke ground back in 2015 with plans to produce up to 300,000 vehicles annually. However, it has been sitting idle since December 2021 following a series of unsuccessful sales attempts that saw the price drop from $517 million down to its final sale figure. Despite this, Deepal remains tight-lipped about immediate production plans for the factory but has hinted at future opportunities.

Deepal’s acquisition adds another strategic asset to their portfolio alongside facilities in Nanjing and Beijing. The company is currently seeing strong sales momentum, with October figures showing 36,792 units sold—a 57.1% increase year-over-year for the period from January to October. A major contributor has been the Deepal S05 crossover SUV which surpassed 20,000 global sales in a single month.

This acquisition aligns with Changan’s broader strategy of enhancing its production capacity across various brands. Industry insiders view this move as indicative of an ongoing trend where Chinese automakers are taking over idle joint-venture factories to bolster their domestic manufacturing capabilities. As such, it represents not just a win for Deepal but also a testament to the evolving dynamics within China’s automotive sector.

As we reported earlier in our analysis on Hyundai’s Santa Fe EREV production preparations, this move further underscores the strategic shifts taking place within the industry. With Changan Deepal now expanding into a facility previously operated by Hyundai, it’s clear that these changes are reshaping the competitive landscape.

The recent acquisition also echoes our previous coverage of Changan taking over another former Hyundai factory in Chongqing earlier this year. This pattern highlights a broader trend where domestic brands are capitalizing on opportunities presented by the exit of international players from certain markets, signaling both challenges and new possibilities for industry growth.

The post Changan Deepal Acquires Hyundai’s Chongqing Plant for $228M appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.