CATL, the world’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturer, has officially entered the sodium-ion battery market with its new brand, Naxtra. This move signifies a major shift in the EV battery landscape. While lithium-ion batteries, particularly lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) variants, dominate the current market, CATL’s investment in sodium-ion technology highlights its potential as a viable alternative, especially given sodium’s greater abundance and lower environmental impact compared to lithium. The unveiling took place in China, ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show, signaling the company’s strategic focus on the Chinese market and its ambition to lead in this emerging technology. CATL’s sodium-ion batteries are designed for a broad range of applications, from light-duty EVs to commercial trucks, demonstrating the versatility of this new battery chemistry. The key advantage of sodium-ion batteries lies in their exceptional cold-weather performance, a critical factor for EVs operating in colder climates where lithium-ion batteries typically experience reduced range and charging speeds.
The decision to pursue sodium-ion technology comes at a time when the battery industry is seeking alternatives to lithium due to supply chain concerns and environmental considerations. According to the American Physics Society, sodium is 1,000 times more abundant than lithium, making it a more sustainable and readily available resource. While sodium-ion batteries have historically lagged behind lithium-ion in energy density, CATL’s advancements are closing this gap, making them a competitive option for certain applications. The inherent temperature-resistant properties of sodium-ion batteries allow ions to move freely even in Arctic temperatures, ensuring consistent performance in extreme cold. This makes them particularly well-suited for compact EVs, hybrids, and vehicles operating in regions with harsh winters. CATL’s entry into the sodium-ion battery market with its Naxtra brand is a significant step towards diversifying the EV battery landscape and addressing the limitations of existing lithium-ion technology.
| Feature | Lithium-Ion (Typical) | Sodium-Ion (CATL Naxtra) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | 200-300 Wh/kg | 175 Wh/kg (High-Voltage) |
| Cold Weather Performance | Significant degradation at low temperatures | Near full speed charging at -40°F (-40°C) |
| Abundance of Materials | Lithium is relatively scarce | Sodium is 1,000 times more abundant than lithium |
CATL Sodium Ion EV Battery Torture Test (Image Source: CATL)
CATL’s high-voltage sodium-ion battery achieves an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). While this is less than the 200–300 Wh/kg range typical of lithium-ion batteries, it’s sufficient to provide a practical driving range for many applications. Specifically, CATL estimates that its sodium-ion batteries can deliver 124 miles (200 km) of electric range in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and up to 310 miles (500 km) in a pure electric vehicle (EV). It’s important to note that these range estimates are based on China’s testing cycle, which tends to be more generous compared to testing cycles in other regions like Europe or North America. However, even with this consideration, these figures are competitive for city cars and micro-EVs, which are gaining popularity worldwide due to their affordability and suitability for urban environments.
One of the standout features of CATL’s sodium-ion EV battery is its rapid charging capability, even in extremely cold conditions. The battery can charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, even at -22°F (-30°C), while maintaining 93% usable capacity. This is a significant improvement over typical EV batteries, which often experience reduced charging speeds and capacity in cold weather. CATL also claims that its battery can maintain driving speeds of 75 miles per hour even when the dashboard indicates a 0% charge, ensuring consistent performance until the battery is completely depleted. In terms of safety, CATL has made substantial advancements. The company demonstrated the robustness of its 62 kilowatt-hour battery pack through a series of rigorous torture tests. These tests included crushing the battery with a giant press, nail penetration, drilling, and even cutting through the pack with a metal saw. Impressively, the battery pack deformed under extreme pressure but did not explode or catch fire, showcasing its enhanced safety features. These tests underscore CATL’s commitment to developing safe and reliable sodium-ion batteries for widespread adoption in EVs and other applications.
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Density (High-Voltage) | 175 Wh/kg | Sufficient for PHEVs and EVs |
| Electric Range (PHEV) | 124 miles (200 km) | Based on China’s testing cycle |
| Electric Range (EV) | 310 miles (500 km) | Based on China’s testing cycle |
| Charging Time (30% to 80%) | 30 minutes | At -22°F (-30°C) |
| Usable Capacity at -22°F (-30°C) | 93% | Maintained during cold-weather charging |
Beyond high-voltage applications in EVs and PHEVs, CATL is also developing low-voltage sodium-ion batteries for other uses, particularly in commercial vehicles. The company has unveiled a 24-volt sodium-ion auxiliary battery designed for trucks, offering significant advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries. One of the key benefits of this low-voltage battery is its exceptional cold-weather performance, mirroring the characteristics of its high-voltage counterpart. CATL boldly states that this new battery technology will eliminate the common frustration of jump-starting vehicles after prolonged storage, a frequent issue with lead-acid batteries, especially in cold climates.
The low-voltage sodium-ion battery is engineered to function flawlessly even at -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). Additionally, it supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing drivers to utilize the battery pack to power external appliances. This feature is particularly useful for drivers who need to operate equipment or devices while on the road. For instance, a truck driver could use the V2L capability to power a coffee maker or other appliances during a rest stop in freezing conditions, without worrying about the vehicle’s ability to restart. CATL has confirmed that mass production of the high-voltage sodium-ion batteries for EVs and PHEVs is scheduled to commence in June, with the low-voltage packs for trucks following in December. This timeline indicates that these are not merely conceptual batteries but tangible products ready for commercial deployment, marking a significant step forward in the adoption of sodium-ion technology across various vehicle types.
CATL Sodium-Ion Low Voltage Battery (Image Source: CATL)
