January 31, 2026
The Chinese company CATL announced the launch of its modern technology, “Naxtra” for sodium-ion batteries, in passenger cars, after testing it in commercial vehicles. These batteries are characterized by their high efficiency in operating in cold climates down to “-22°F”, and they also maintain their full performance when climbing hills, making them suitable for difficult winter climates.
This step comes as part of CATL’s plan to expand the use of “sodium batteries” as a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to lithium batteries, with additional advantages such as reducing the chances of fires and explosions. The first phase of testing includes Changan Oshan cars, with future plans to add cars from GAC and JAC.
CATL’s chief technology officer, Gao Huan, noted that the company expects the energy density of sodium batteries to reach the level of lithium iron phosphate batteries within the next three years, which strengthens its position in the market, with production costs expected to decrease by more than 30% when production capacity is raised to about 100 gigawatt-hours.
