In a groundbreaking announcement that could reshape the electric vehicle battery landscape, Chinese battery manufacturing giant CATL is preparing to unleash sodium-ion battery technology by the end of 2026, promising to dramatically transform energy storage and 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 next-generation battery innovation. CATL's market leadership is further solidified by its substantial lead over competitors like BYD (16.9% market share), LG Energy Solution (9.3%), CALB (4.7%), and Gotion (4.1%).

During a recent supplier conference on December 28, 2025, CATL revealed ambitious plans for its new Naxtra sodium-ion battery brand, which achieves an impressive energy density of 175 kWh/kg—comparable to top-performing lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. The breakthrough technology is designed for versatile applications, including battery swapping, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage systems.

What makes CATL's sodium-ion batteries truly remarkable is their exceptional performance in extreme temperatures. Engineered to operate between -40℃ and 70℃, these batteries promise over 500 kilometers of pure electric driving range and have already passed China's rigorous new EV battery safety standards set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Beyond technical specifications, CATL views this innovation as a strategic move toward energy independence. The company stated that the new battery technology "efficiently reduces dependence on lithium resources and strengthens the foundation of new energy technologies, while promoting energy utilization from 'single resource dependence' to 'energy freedom.'"

Sodium-ion batteries represent more than just a technological advancement; they symbolize a potential paradigm shift in sustainable energy. Compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, they offer a more affordable, safer, and potentially more environmentally friendly alternative—particularly effective in cold weather conditions.

As the automotive and energy storage industries eagerly anticipate CATL's sodium-ion battery deployment, the company's commitment to innovation continues to position it as a global leader in the electrification revolution.