In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the electric vehicle battery landscape, Chinese tech giant CATL is preparing to launch sodium-ion batteries on a massive scale by the end of 2026, signaling a potential game-changer for sustainable transportation.

The company, which currently dominates the global EV battery market with a commanding 38.1% market share as of October 2025, is positioning itself at the forefront of battery innovation. CATL's market leadership is well-established, with competitors like BYD (16.9% market share), LG Energy Solution (9.3%), CALB (4.7%), and Gotion (4.1%) trailing behind.

At a recent supplier conference on December 28, 2025, CATL unveiled ambitious plans for its new Naxtra sodium-ion battery technology. The batteries promise remarkable capabilities, including operation across an extreme temperature range from -40℃ to 70℃, and the potential to deliver over 500 kilometers of pure electric driving range.

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, these sodium-ion alternatives offer several compelling advantages. They are projected to be cheaper, safer, and more effective in cold weather conditions. CATL's breakthrough achieves an impressive energy density of 175 kWh/kg, comparable to the best-performing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries currently on the market.

The company's strategic vision extends beyond automotive applications. CATL plans to deploy sodium-ion batteries across multiple sectors, including battery swapping, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage. The technology has already passed China's rigorous new EV battery safety standards (GB 38031-2025), which will take effect on July 1, 2026.

CATL's leadership sees this innovation as more than a technological advancement. In their own words, the new battery technology will 'efficiently reduce dependence on lithium resources and strengthen the foundation of new energy technologies, promoting energy utilization from single resource dependence to energy freedom.'

As the global automotive industry continues its electric transformation, CATL's sodium-ion batteries represent a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation technology, promising more accessible, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy solutions for the future.