Chinese battery manufacturer CATL expects to begin producing sodium-ion batteries for electric vehicles in significant quantities this year. According to production chief Ni Jun, this battery technology is expected to power approximately 10,000 to 20,000 vehicles by 2026. However, CATL CEO Robin Zeng is tempering expectations for solid-state batteries. He states that widespread mass production is not yet on the horizon.
Sodium-ion batteries set to debut in vehicles soon
CATL has been working on sodium-ion batteries since 2016. To date, the company has invested nearly 10 billion yuan (just under 1.5 billion U.S. dollars) in their development, a figure expected to reach 15 billion yuan by the end of 2025. In April 2025, CATL launched the Naxtra brand for this purpose. The cells are expected to achieve an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg. According to the company, this is roughly equivalent to standard LFP batteries.
A production vehicle developed in partnership with Changan Automobile is set to be released in mid-2026. CATL states that the range will be up to 400 kilometers. Once the supply chain matures, CATL believes a range of 500 to 600 kilometers will be possible. CATL cites cost savings and improved performance in cold weather as the main advantages. Even at minus 40 degrees Celsius, capacity retention is expected to remain above 90 percent.
CATL is also expanding its presence in the stationary storage sector. The Tener Sodium system is scheduled to begin shipping in China in September. Global deliveries are planned for June 2027.
Solid-state technology remains development territory for now
CATL is taking a much more cautious stance on solid-state batteries. Zeng rated the current state of the technology as level four out of nine. Level nine represents mass production. Zeng noted that technical progress, reliability, safety, supply capability, and commercial acceptance are all crucial factors.
Previous statements indicated that CATL aims to reach levels seven or eight by 2027. This would enable small-scale production runs. However, high costs and unresolved production issues remain hurdles. Zeng had previously stated that producing in the millions is unlikely before 2030.
Sources:
https://cnevpost.com/2026/06/24/catl-expects-10000-evs-sodium-batteries-2026/
https://cnevpost.com/2026/06/24/catl-chairman-long-road-solid-state-battery-mass-production/
