CATL to roll out sodium-ion EV batteries built for extreme cold

CATL has announced that its sodium-ion batteries are capable of operating in extreme cold conditions, including temperatures as low as -50°C, after testing in Inner Mongolia.

The company plans to introduce these batteries in mass-produced passenger vehicles this year, aiming to expand EV use in colder regions.

The batteries are under winter testing, with some models expected to be installed in over 10,000 vehicles in 2024, and potentially reaching hundreds of thousands by 2027.

Industry analysts say sodium-ion batteries offer better low-temperature performance and safety than lithium-ion, but still lag in energy density and cycle life, and are likely to complement lithium batteries in cold climates if technology and supply chains improve.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Sodium-ion performance looks closer to mainstream lithium batteries

CATL says its Naxtra sodium-ion battery reaches up to 175 Wh/kg in energy density, which it compares with mainstream lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries 1.
CATL and rival BYD (a Chinese EV and battery maker) say their sodium-ion products can reach up to 10,000 cycles, though BYD links mass production timing to market and customer demand 2.
BYD also cites a typical 2,000 to 3,000 cycle life for mainstream LFP batteries used in electric vehicles, which gives a reference point for those sodium-ion claims 2.
Reports citing third-party testing say CATL’s sodium-ion products passed China’s latest national battery standard for EV traction batteries, GB 38031-2025 3.

Sodium-ion fits best in cost-sensitive and stationary uses

Sodium-ion can cut exposure to lithium price swings by relying on more readily available raw materials, and CATL plans passenger-vehicle adoption starting in 2026 4.
It suits use cases where maximum range matters less, including city cars, commercial vehicles, and battery swapping stations 1.
CATL plans more than 3,000 Choco-Swap battery swap stations, sites where compatible EVs can quickly exchange a depleted battery for a charged one, across 140 Chinese cities by 2026 1.
Sodium-ion’s thermal stability and long cycle life can also suit grid-scale energy storage that helps balance intermittent power sources such as solar and wind 5.