Chinese Battery Pioneer Unveils Sodium-Ion Tech to Transform EVs

On Monday, CATL, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer, introduced a new sodium-ion battery, claiming it has the potential to transform the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The company also unveiled a system that merges two battery technologies for use in a single vehicle.

As the producer of over a third of all electric vehicle batteries globally, CATL partners with major automotive brands such as Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen.

Sodium-ion batteries are considered a more affordable and, in some cases, safer alternative to the commonly used lithium-ion batteries found in various electronics and electric vehicles, which pose fire hazards if compromised.

“We are set to begin mass production by the end of this year. This development will reshape the entire industry,” stated CATL’s Chief Marketing Officer, Luo Jian, during a news conference in Shanghai.

Production of the sodium-ion batteries is scheduled to commence in June, initially focusing on small starter batteries for heavy-duty vehicles under the Naxtra brand. These batteries are expected to significantly enhance cold-weather performance for vehicle startups.

Large batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles will be produced starting in December of this year.

“The sodium-ion batteries have successfully made the leap from laboratory development to readiness for commercial-scale production,” CATL CEO Robin Zeng confirmed during the press briefing.

Zeng also projected that sodium-ion technology could take over half of the market previously dominated by lithium, iron, and phosphate batteries.

Although sodium-ion technology has been in existence for years, it has generally trailed lithium-ion batteries in terms of effectiveness. Nevertheless, increased attention toward this technology has enabled the production of sodium-ion batteries without relying on certain expensive metals.

CATL’s Naxtra batteries are anticipated to deliver a driving range of up to 500 kilometers (approximately 310 miles) for electric vehicles.

Just prior to the opening of the Shanghai Motor Show on Monday, CATL also launched the second generation of its Shenxing battery, which will be incorporated into 67 vehicles in 2023 from Chinese manufacturers Zeekr, Nio, and Avatr.

This fast-charging battery offers an impressive driving range of 800 kilometers, with an ability to regain 520 kilometers of charge in just five minutes — outpacing its Chinese competitor BYD.

CATL is also looking to promote its advanced technologies through the development of battery swapping systems, such as those offered by its collaborator Nio.

However, tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on China might lead to increased costs for components and vehicles.

CATL representatives refrained from commenting on the implications of these tariffs.

The U.S. Department of Defense has listed CATL among companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military, a claim which CATL has vehemently denied.

During the Shanghai Motor Show, the company also showcased its new dual battery system intended for electric vehicles. CATL’s technical director, Gao Huan, explained that this dual system will enhance safety, especially for autonomous vehicles, by creating a backup in case one of the batteries fails.

Although a production timeline for the dual batteries, which have been under development for the past five years, has not yet been revealed, Gao mentioned that one manufacturer is already integrating the dual system into its design for an autonomous vehicle.