World’s First Sodium-Ion Electric Mining Truck Officially Delivered
On August 10, 2026, China’s leading sodium-ion battery manufacturer, HiNa Battery Technology, and heavy industrial equipment manufacturer Tongli Heavy Industry jointly announced the delivery of the world’s first sodium-ion electric mining dump truck, the Tonly TLE120, to Tangshan Sanyou Mining. This 75-ton mining truck is equipped with HiNa’s latest 'Starfish' sodium-ion battery pack, marking the first application of sodium-ion battery technology in large-scale engineering machinery.
The Tonly TLE120 mining dump truck has a top speed of 45 km/h, a maximum climbing angle of 35 degrees, an average power output of 500 kW, and a peak power output of 800 kW. HiNa Battery Technology stated that the 'Starfish' battery pack has an energy density exceeding 165 Wh/kg and can be fully charged from 0 to 100% in 20 to 25 minutes, with a cycle life of over 8,000 cycles. The battery pack operates stably in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 45°C, with a temperature rise of no more than 10°C during fast charging, demonstrating its adaptability in harsh environments.
Sodium-Ion Batteries Challenge Electrification Bottlenecks in Mining
Li Shujun, General Manager of HiNa Battery Technology, highlighted at the 'Starfish' battery launch event that sodium-ion batteries offer core advantages of 'lighter load, faster charging, and higher efficiency,' significantly increasing total output while substantially reducing overall costs. Compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries do not rely on rare metals such as lithium and cobalt, broadening the raw material supply chain and helping to mitigate supply chain risks and price volatility.
The Tonly TLE120 mining truck is also available with a lithium-ion battery version, supplied by CATL, with a total capacity of 770 kWh. However, HiNa Battery Technology has not disclosed the cost differences or operational data between the two battery configurations. Li Shujun emphasized that the stability of sodium-ion batteries in extreme climates makes them an ideal choice for China’s diverse mining environments, though no long-term field test data currently supports this claim.
The 'Starfish' battery series currently includes four models: the K150 and K210, designed for short-distance transport, and the K280 and K350, tailored for logistics and long-distance transport. HiNa Battery Technology did not reveal specific delivery quantities but confirmed that Tangshan Sanyou Mining has received at least one TLE120 mining truck. Industry observers note that the application of sodium-ion batteries in mining vehicles could accelerate mine electrification and reduce carbon emissions and operational costs. However, the durability of these batteries under high loads and frequent charge-discharge cycles still requires further validation.
Growing Demand for Mine Electrification as Sodium-Ion Battery Prospects Remain Uncertain
China’s annual demand for mining trucks exceeds 5,000 units, with traditional diesel trucks accounting for over 90% of the market. As environmental regulations become increasingly stringent, demand for electric mining trucks continues to rise. However, the high cost of lithium-ion batteries and insufficient charging infrastructure have long hindered market adoption. HiNa Battery Technology’s introduction of the sodium-ion electric mining truck offers a new technological option for mine electrification, though whether it can replace lithium-ion batteries as the mainstream solution will depend on real-world performance and cost control over the next few years.
Mining industry experts point out that sodium-ion batteries hold competitive advantages in energy density and cost in the short term. However, long-term development still faces technical challenges, including battery management systems, charging efficiency, and safety. Additionally, the complex operating environments of mines mean that the reliability and maintenance costs of electric mining trucks will be key factors influencing market acceptance. As technology advances, sodium-ion batteries are poised to play a significant role in the wave of mine electrification, but their commercialization process will require time to validate.
