Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) has announced plans to initiate large-scale deployment of its sodium-ion battery technology across multiple sectors in 2026. The company revealed these intentions at its supplier conference in Ningde, Fujian province, on December 28, indicating advanced commercial readiness for sodium-ion cells in battery swap systems, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage applications.
CATL described a “dual-star” development strategy in which sodium-ion and lithium-ion battery technologies will advance in parallel. Industry analysts note that the global sodium-ion battery sector is transitioning from early commercialization toward broader scaled deployment. To date, sodium-ion cells have primarily been used in energy storage installations, low-range electric vehicles, and auxiliary power systems. With average cell prices in 2025 remaining notably lower than lithium-ion equivalents, forecasts project robust sodium-ion market growth through 2030.
In April 2025, CATL launched its Naxtra sodium-ion brand and commenced large-scale production of cells rated to operate from –40°C to 70°C. The initial product lineup includes modular power batteries for passenger vehicles and a 24-volt integrated battery unit for heavy trucks, marking CATL’s first commercially oriented sodium-ion series.
Further technical milestones have been shared over the past year. In September 2025, CATL confirmed its next-generation sodium-ion battery can support pure-electric driving ranges exceeding 500 kilometers in passenger vehicles, with mass-production readiness aligned to the 2026 timeline. This cell achieves energy density levels up to 175 Wh/kg and has successfully met China’s latest national safety standard for electric-vehicle traction batteries (GB 38031-2025).
Approved sodium-ion products became the first of their kind to secure certification under the new standard, which takes effect in mid-2026 and imposes stringent requirements on thermal stability, mechanical impact resistance, and fast-charging durability. Independent testing verified compliance with all mandated safety criteria.
CATL emphasizes that sodium-ion chemistry offers enhanced safety compared to conventional lithium-ion cells and delivers superior low-temperature performance, addressing cold-climate challenges. In addition, these batteries can support extended driving ranges, reduce carbon emissions, and lessen dependency on lithium resources. The company’s 2026 rollout aligns with China’s broader energy storage and new energy vehicle strategies, backed by supportive policies and industrial initiatives aimed at fostering alternative battery technologies.
Source: CarNewsChina
