FutuBull investment advisers in Hong Kong, published an insight into CATL sodium-ion battery trials that’s well worth relaying. The giant Chinese battery manufacturer has begun testing its sodium-ion Naxtra batteries in three electric car brands. This news confirms that these batteries have entered production, as we reported.
Winter Testing CATL Sodium-Ion Batteries
These trials are occurring in the dead of a winter which is particularly harsh. This may be no coincidence, because cold-temperature performance is one of CATL’s sodium-ion battery’s strong points.
FutuBull confirms what we heard elsewhere. CATL’s sodium-ion battery trials are kicking off with passenger vehicles by Changan Oshan. Although models from GAC and JAC are also on the program, so it is clearly quite extensive.
CATL’s conservative approach is evident in the time it took to reach this point:
- CATL produced its first demonstration sodium-ion battery in 2021.
- This generated a flurry of interest in this alternative to lithium-ion.
- Four years passed before CATL unveiled its Naxtra brand in 2025.
CATL’s Naxtra battery performance appears solid. Although 175 watt-hours per kilogram lags behind lithium’s best. Perhaps CATL is aiming at its local market, where electric vehicles are more seen as workhorses not status symbols.
The Future of Sodium-Ion Chemistry
The future of sodium-ion chemistry looks bright, for reasons we list below:
- Lithium-ion batteries command the market. although their stability is becoming deeply concerning.
- More responsible users are seeking alternatives, in the face of regular reports of lithium-ion battery fires.
- Lithium reserves are concentrated in China and South America, weakening the Western supply chain.
- Sodium is as universally available as table salt. Every drop of seawater contains traces of sodium.
- Sodium-ion chemistry is similar to lithium-ion, except for the active material. CATL should be able to convert readily.
CATL is clearly rising to the opportunities that sodium-ion technology presents. Our world of batteries is evolving steadily. We hope you found this article interesting, and that you return for more.
More Information
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Sodium-Ion Batteries Are Closing Gap
