Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is accelerating production of its sodium-ion battery technology as it moves towards large-scale deployment in electric vehicles, marking a significant step in the commercialisation of an alternative to lithium-ion chemistries.
The company has confirmed that mass-produced sodium-ion battery products will enter the market during 2026 after what it describes as the resolution of key manufacturing bottlenecks.
CATL’s sodium-ion programme centres on its Naxtra battery platform, which was introduced as a dedicated sodium-ion brand and is intended for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, battery-swapping applications and stationary energy storage systems.
Speaking at the 2026 Equipment Powerhouse Forum in China, CATL chief scientist Wu Kai said the company was preparing a series of mass-produced sodium-ion battery products for launch this year after overcoming production challenges associated with the chemistry.
The ramp-up follows a number of recent milestones for the technology, including the launch of what CATL and Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile describe as the world’s first mass-produced passenger electric vehicle using sodium-ion batteries. The Changan Nevo A06 is expected to enter the market in mid-2026 using CATL’s Naxtra battery packs.
CATL: sodium-ion energy density getting close to LFP
According to CATL, the Naxtra sodium-ion battery achieves an energy density of up to 175Wh/kg, placing it close to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries currently used in many mainstream electric vehicles. The company said the technology can support driving ranges exceeding 400km, with future developments potentially extending that to 500–600km.
One of the main advantages highlighted by CATL is performance in extreme temperatures. The company claims the batteries can operate between -40°C and 70°C while retaining high levels of capacity in cold-weather conditions, an area where conventional lithium-ion batteries can experience significant performance degradation.
Sodium-ion batteries have attracted growing industry attention because they use sodium, a far more abundant and less price-volatile material than lithium. Researchers and manufacturers also point to potential safety benefits and reduced dependence on critical mineral supply chains.
CATL’s production expansion appears to be moving beyond demonstration projects and into industrial-scale manufacturing. In May, the company announced plans to invest RMB5 billion ($735 million) in a new 40GWh sodium-ion battery production facility in Fujian province.
The investment follows a major supply agreement with energy storage specialist HyperStrong covering 60GWh of sodium-ion batteries over three years. CATL described the deal as the world’s largest sodium-ion battery order to date and said it demonstrated the company’s readiness for large-scale deliveries.
Industry observers view sodium-ion batteries as a potential complement rather than a direct replacement for lithium-ion technologies. While lower energy density has historically limited their use in passenger vehicles, recent advances have narrowed the gap with LFP batteries, particularly for lower-cost vehicles and applications where cold-weather performance is important.
CATL founder Robin Zeng has previously suggested sodium-ion batteries could eventually replace a significant share of the current LFP market, although analysts remain divided on how quickly the technology can achieve widespread adoption.
