CBAK Energy plans to add 12 GWh of annual cell production capacity and has signed an investment agreement with the Nanjing Gaochun Economic Development Zone, as part of a previously announced sodium-ion expansion plan.
The agreement covers the research, development and manufacture of large cylindrical sodium-ion battery cells and integrated battery systems in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The project is expected to cover cell manufacturing as well as module and battery pack integration.
CBAK Energy announced deal as part of its sodium-ion strategy, but the manufacturing line itself will offer the company flexibility to produce sodium-ion or lithium-ion cells. The Chinese manufacturer estimates that at current lithium-ion cell market prices, the 12 GWh project could generate an additional CNY 4.8 billion ($712 million) to CNY 5 billion in annual revenue at full capacity, with all output sold. The company said it will determine which chemistry to produce based on market conditions and customer demand.
CBAK Energy plans to advance the 12 GWh project in the second half of 2027, subject to securing financing. Development is expected to proceed in phases based on financing, demand and project readiness. The company reported that customer testing of the company’s sodium-ion cell samples is underway in residential and portable energy storage, as well as electric mobility applications.
Capacity expansion is also planned for the company’s existing Nanjing facility, and CBAK Energy expects to add an additional 6 GWh of annual cell capacity by the end of 2026. The manufacturer said production is being expanded in response to strong demand for Model 60150 large cylindrical cells. The facility currently has 4.5 GWh of annual Model 32140 cell capacity. Adding 6 GWh would bring total cell capacity to 10.5 GWh at the site.
CBAK Energy estimates the additional 6 GWh could generate CNY 2.4 billion to CNY 2.7 billion of annual revenue, if running at full capacity and all output sold.. The company said it is considering two Model 60150 production lines for the expansion, but may opt for one Model 32140 line and one Model 60150 line. The cell models and production-line configuration may be adjusted as market conditions and customer demand evolve.
Zhiguang Hu, CEO of CBAK Energy, noted the company’s 6 GWh expansion would more than double annual cell capacity at its existing Nanjing facility, and would “help us meet strong demand for large cylindrical cells.
“The 12 GWh investment agreement advances our plans for sodium-ion production. Designing the lines to produce lithium-ion cells as well would give us more options to serve customers as demand develops in both markets. We plan to develop the project in phases, with investment guided by financing availability and customer demand,” Hu said.
CBAK Energy’s manufacturing announcement follows a successful test of the company’s sodium-ion cell reported in September 2026. The company said internal test results for its 32140 NH-7Ah full-tab sodium-ion cell were carried put at -40 C to 70 C, a 110 C which CBAK Energy said shows potential for applications in varied climates and environments. The cell uses sodium iron phosphate pyrophosphate (NFPP), an iron-based polyanion cathode material.
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