CATL and CHANGAN Launch World's First Mass-Production Sodium-Ion Passenger Vehicle

In an unprecedented move, CHANGAN Automobile, in collaboration with CATL, introduced the world’s first mass-produced passenger vehicle powered by sodium-ion batteries at the "CHANGAN SDA Intelligence Milestone Release & Sodium-Ion Battery Global Strategy Launch" in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia on February 5, 2026. The groundbreaking vehicle is expected to hit the market by mid-2026.

As part of a strategic partnership, CATL will provide its advanced Naxtra sodium-ion batteries for CHANGAN's entire portfolio, which includes brands like AVATR, Deepal, Qiyuan, and UNI. This launch signifies a critical leap toward a dual-chemistry ecosystem, combining sodium-ion and lithium-ion technologies to better cater to a wide range of customer demands.

Gao Huan, Chief Technology Officer at CATL’s China E-car division, praised the partnership, stating, "The introduction of sodium-ion technology marks the dawn of a dual-chemistry era. CHANGAN's proactive approach to energy security and its long-term vision are commendable. Just as they pioneered electric vehicle adoption, CHANGAN is now leading the way with sodium-ion batteries. We are proud to collaborate on this pioneering initiative, bringing cutting-edge, safe, and reliable sodium-ion technology to the market."

Cold-Weather Performance and Safety Features

CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion batteries offer an impressive energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg, setting a new benchmark for mass production. The sophisticated Cell-to-Pack system and intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) enable a pure-electric driving range of over 400 km. As the sodium-ion supply chain advances, this range is expected to increase to 500-600 km for pure-electric versions, and 300-400 km for hybrid models, covering more than 50% of the range requirements in the new energy vehicle market.

One of the most notable features of CATL's sodium-ion batteries is their exceptional cold-weather performance. They provide nearly three times the discharge power of LFP batteries at –30 °C, maintaining over 90% of their capacity at –40 °C and stable power output at temperatures as low as –50 °C. The battery has been rigorously tested under harsh conditions such as crushing, drilling, and sawing, and continues to operate safely without any fire or smoke—setting a new safety standard for the industry.

A Strategic Leap in Global Electrification

Sodium-ion batteries are poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with their abundant raw materials, superior cold-weather capabilities, and eco-friendly production and recycling processes. These advantages offer an opportunity to diversify supply chains and reduce the carbon footprint of electric mobility.

Market analysts, such as Precedence Research, predict that the global sodium-ion battery market will experience rapid growth, from USD 1.39 billion in 2025 to USD 6.83 billion by 2034. 2026 will be a pivotal year for sodium-ion technology, with CHANGAN and CATL leading the charge to bring this technology to more vehicles and customers. In line with this expansion, CATL plans to establish over 3,000 Choco-Swap battery swap stations across 140 cities in China, including more than 600 locations in northern regions with cold climates, providing fast and reliable energy access for drivers nationwide.

A Decade of R&D Culminates in a Breakthrough

CATL’s sodium-ion battery journey began in 2016, with an investment of nearly 10 billion RMB to develop 300,000 test cells. The company’s extensive R&D team, comprising over 300 professionals—including 20 PhDs—has built a solid foundation for producing safe, high-performance, and scalable sodium-ion batteries. The partnership between CATL and CHANGAN marks the transition of sodium-ion technology from the laboratory to the mass market, solidifying it as a feasible and competitive option for the future of electric vehicles.

Edit by paco

Last Update:2026-02-09 09:25:07