BRIEFLY: Sodium Ion Batteries, Zeekr, MG4 Urban & more | 28 Sep 2025

It's EV News Briefly for Sunday 28 September 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.

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SODIUM‑ION BATTERIES NEAR LARGE‑SCALE COMMERCIALISATION http://bit.ly/42Xou36
ZEEKR LAUNCHES "SEEK MORE" CAMPAIGN http://bit.ly/42XodNC
MG4 EV URBAN APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIA http://bit.ly/4nxitmj
GM DONATES 59 BRIGHTDROP VANS TO RED CROSS http://bit.ly/3Wgur7B
BYD FORECASTS EXPORTS AT 20% OF SALES http://bit.ly/3WoYcDb
CHARGETRIP INTEGRATES WITH OCTOPUS ELECTROVERSE http://bit.ly/3VLElOn
CHINA'S ROLE IN RARE-EARTH SUPPLY http://bloom.bg/3VLWMCK


SODIUM‑ION BATTERIES NEAR LARGE‑SCALE COMMERCIALISATION  
Sodium-ion batteries are rapidly advancing from pilots toward commercial adoption, offering exceptional low-temperature performance, faster charging, and improved sustainability for heavy-duty and automotive use. Major players like CATL have already launched mass-produced compliant batteries and vehicle makers such as JAC have delivered volume production EVs with sodium cells, signaling a promising new era for affordable, eco-friendly energy storage.
ZEEKR LAUNCHES "SEEK MORE" CAMPAIGN  
Zeekr’s “Seek More” European brand campaign introduces cutting-edge EVs with ultra-fast charging and innovative design, targeting growth in new markets despite tariff headwinds. With more than 520,000 vehicles delivered and expansion plans underway, Zeekr’s proprietary 800V–900V tech and comprehensive charging ecosystem position it for international leadership.
MG4 EV URBAN APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIA  
MG has secured approval to launch the MG4 EV Urban in Australia, featuring a choice of efficient battery sizes and advanced LFP or semi-solid-state chemistries for superior range in all climates. The Chinese-market Anxin Edition’s affordable semi-solid-state technology and strong local sales illustrate MG’s successful expansion as a value leader in EVs.
GM DONATES 59 BRIGHTDROP VANS TO RED CROSS  
GM’s donation of 59 all-electric BrightDrop vans to the Red Cross strengthens disaster response, providing emission-free, long-range support for communities in need. This initiative reflects GM’s long-term commitment to social responsibility and electrification’s contribution to humanitarian efforts.
BYD FORECASTS EXPORTS AT 20% OF SALES  
BYD projects that one out of every five vehicles sold in 2025 will go to export markets, doubling its international reach thanks to expanded shipping capacity and a growing global lineup. The focus on bringing all China-developed models to new markets underlines BYD’s ambition to become a truly global EV manufacturer.
CHARGETRIP INTEGRATES WITH OCTOPUS ELECTROVERSE  
Chargetrip’s partnership with Octopus Electroverse streamlines EV travel across Europe by embedding advanced route planning and making 1.1 million public chargers accessibly through one app. The integration offers users cleaner, more affordable charging while major automakers leverage the tech for improved customer experiences.
CHINA'S ROLE IN RARE-EARTH SUPPLY  
China continues to be the world leader in rare-earth magnet production for EVs, offering unmatched technical expertise and cost advantages, while new facilities like Neo’s in Estonia bolster European supply security. The evolving global rare earths landscape is fostering cooperation, investment, and innovation across key regions.