Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has taken another step toward the series application of sodium-ion battery technology. According to Chinese media reports, the so-called Naxtra battery will be used for the first time in a production-ready electric vehicle by automaker Changan Automobile. Market launch of the vehicle is planned for 2026.
Battery technology without lithium
Sodium-ion batteries do not rely on lithium, cobalt, or nickel and are considered a potentially more cost-effective alternative to conventional lithium-ion cells. They also offer strong cold-temperature performance and improved safety characteristics. CATL first unveiled the technology in 2021, but its use has so far been limited to pilot applications.
80-percent state of charge in 15 minutes
For the current generation of its sodium-ion cells, CATL reports a gravimetric energy density of around 175 watt-hours per kilogram, bringing the technology close to the level of modern LFP batteries. In vehicle applications, driving ranges of up to 500 kilometers are considered possible. Another technical advantage is the wide operating temperature range: According to the manufacturer, the cells remain functional between minus 40 and plus 70 degrees Celsius. CATL also states that the battery can be charged to an 80-percent state of charge in around 15 minutes. In addition, the Naxtra battery is said to be the first sodium-ion battery to pass China’s new GB 38031-2025 safety standard for electric vehicle batteries.
Quelle: CNEVPOST
Foto: CATL
