China’s top EV maker BYD says it has made major progress in next generation battery technology, highlighting advances in both sodium ion and solid state batteries. The update signals a long term push to reduce costs, extend battery life and gain an edge over global rivals.

BYD said its latest sodium ion batteries could support up to 10,000 charging cycles, far beyond the typical 1,500 to 3,000 cycles seen in today’s lithium based batteries. The company noted that its sodium ion platform has now reached its third generation, which could dramatically extend vehicle lifespan and lower total ownership costs.

For context, batteries used by Tesla generally last hundreds of thousands of miles, translating to roughly 1,500 cycles. BYD added that its current Blade LFP batteries already reach about 5,000 cycles, reinforcing its focus on durability.

BYD also said its sulfide solid state battery could enter small scale production by 2027. Solid state designs promise faster charging, longer life and improved safety, though large scale manufacturing remains a challenge across the industry.

The announcement comes as BYD shares have faced pressure following weaker January sales in China. Reports also suggest BYD has held talks with Ford Motor about supplying batteries for hybrid vehicles as U.S. EV demand cools.

Meanwhile, Tesla recently highlighted progress in dry electrode battery chemistry, aiming to boost energy density while simplifying manufacturing and reducing environmental risks.

Together, these developments show how battery innovation is becoming the next major battleground in the EV race.