Changan Automobile and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) have announced plans to host a global sodium-ion battery strategy and safety technology conference on February 5 in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia. The event, titled the Tianshu Intelligent Safety Achievements Release and Global Sodium Battery Strategy Conference, will highlight recent advances in sodium-ion battery development and share joint testing results under cold-climate conditions for passenger vehicles.
At the February gathering, Changan will present its roadmap for integrating sodium-ion batteries into future models, alongside new safety technology findings. Demonstrations are expected to address the challenge of maintaining performance and capacity retention at low temperatures, a critical consideration for electric vehicles operating in harsh winter environments.
The collaboration between Changan and CATL extends an earlier deployment of sodium-ion cells in commercial vehicles into Changan’s passenger-car lineup. The Changan Oshan series is among the first to incorporate CATL’s Naxin-brand sodium-ion batteries in public winter trials. Industry observers note that other Chinese automakers—including GAC and JAC—are slated to join subsequent testing phases as these cells move toward broader passenger-vehicle applications.
CATL has outlined plans for large-scale rollouts of sodium-ion batteries in 2026, covering battery-swap systems, passenger and commercial vehicles, and stationary energy storage. Earlier this year, the company introduced its Tianxing II series for light commercial vehicles, delivering an energy density of 175 Wh/kg and receiving certification under China’s GB 38031-2025 national safety standard. The chemistry is engineered for reliable operation in extreme cold,
As lithium prices rise, Chinese battery makers and automakers are increasingly exploring alternative chemistries. Sodium-ion cells currently offer lower energy density than mature lithium iron phosphate batteries but deliver improved low-temperature capacity retention and more stable material costs. These characteristics position them as a complementary option for entry-level EVs and specialized cold-climate use cases.
By choosing Yakeshi—a well-known winter testing hub—Changan and CATL underscore their commitment to validating sodium-ion technology in real-world conditions ahead of a wider commercialization push in 2026.
Source: CarNewsChina
