FAW Jiefang, the heavy-duty truck division of FAW, has reached a significant milestone in new energy commercial vehicles. In collaboration with HiNa Battery, the company completed full-scenario testing of a heavy-duty truck powered by sodium-ion battery technology. This project addresses persistent industry challenges related to battery performance in extreme cold and slow charging speeds.
The test vehicle, a FAW Jiefang J6P new energy pure electric tractor, used a 339 kWh high-capacity sodium-ion battery. Over nearly seven months, it covered more than 15,000 km. Results show strong performance in harsh environments: at -40°C, the battery retained over 90% of its usable capacity, offering a viable solution for logistics in high-latitude regions like Northeast and Northwest China.
Beyond cold-weather resilience, the vehicle improves operational efficiency. It fully charges in just 20 to 25 minutes, aligning with industry demands for rapid energy replenishment. The battery also shows exceptional durability, exceeding 8,000 cycles under fast-charging conditions—surpassing conventional standards.
Electrification of heavy-duty trucks is emerging as a major trend. Previously, 11 Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Transport and the National Development and Reform Commission, released an implementation plan to scale up new energy heavy-duty trucks (NE-HDTs). The policy targets a 40% market penetration rate for NE-HDTs in China by 2030, with a fleet exceeding 1.6 million units, about 20% of all heavy-duty trucks.
HiNa Battery, as noted on its website, is a Chinese company specializing in sodium-ion batteries. It holds core patents for cathode materials (Na-Cu-Fe-Mn-O), anode materials (anthracite-based soft carbon), and manufacturing processes, achieving energy densities of 155–165 Wh/kg. Its products target large-scale energy storage, low-speed and commercial electric vehicles, and security applications.
