CATL is preparing to introduce sodium-ion technology into the mass production of batteries. The largest Chinese battery manufacturer announced this at a meeting with suppliers in China, promising it for 2026, and additionally informing that it intends to use it in various types of applications, with light-duty, passenger, and commercial vehicles at the top of the list.
According to various Chinese media outlets, CATL informed during the same conference that sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries will be developed in parallel, with the latter supporting the implementation of the former in the next twelve months. According to experts, the global sodium-ion battery industry is evolving from a phase of initial commercialization that is little more than residual to mass adoption, with even exponential growth in the adoption of this technology anticipated by 2030.
In April, CATL announced the creation of a sub-brand for sodium-ion batteries, Naxtra, an action that coincided with the start of production. At that time, the Chinese giant highlighted arguments such as the wide operating temperature range (between -40º C and 70º C), and the availability of cells for applications in all types of vehicles, from light passenger to heavy-duty vehicles.
Subsequently, in September, CATL communicated further progress in the technology, particularly the capability to ensure ranges exceeding 500 km in light passenger vehicles, an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, and approval for production and use, in terms of safety regulation, in the domestic market. This is complemented by greater operational stability under extreme temperatures.
CATL claims to be committed to the progressive reduction of lithium dependence in batteries, in order to lessen the impact of their production and use on the environment. In this regard, the use of sodium-ion batteries represents a very important evolution.
