How Salt Batteries Are Powering China’s Electric Scooter Boom

WafricNews | June 2, 2025

China’s rapid urbanization and push for greener transportation have brought electric scooters into the spotlight — and with them, a quiet revolution in battery technology is underway. At the heart of this change are salt-based batteries, emerging as the new powerhouse behind the country’s massive electric scooter market.

Electric scooters have become a staple in China’s bustling cities, offering affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly mobility for millions. But the challenge has always been the batteries — they need to be safe, cost-effective, and reliable enough to handle daily use. This is where salt batteries are making their mark.

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which come with high costs and safety risks such as overheating or fires, salt batteries use sodium, an abundant and inexpensive material. This makes them not only safer but also cheaper to produce, aligning perfectly with China’s goals of sustainability and mass adoption.

Chinese manufacturers and researchers have been investing heavily in salt battery technology, with electric scooters serving as the perfect test bed. The lighter weight and longer lifespan of salt batteries mean scooters can travel farther and last longer without frequent replacements — a major win for both consumers and the environment.

Government policies encouraging green tech and sustainable transport have further accelerated the development and deployment of salt batteries. With subsidies and incentives in place, companies are racing to innovate and scale production, aiming to make salt batteries the new standard not just for scooters, but for a broader range of electric vehicles.

As salt batteries quietly power millions of scooters across China’s streets, they are also sparking a larger transformation in energy storage and clean mobility. This technology is expected to expand beyond scooters, influencing electric cars, buses, and even grid storage solutions.

The rise of salt batteries marks a crucial step in China’s green energy journey, proving that sometimes, the smallest innovation — like a better battery for a scooter — can drive the biggest changes in the fight against pollution and climate change.


By WafricNews Desk.