CATL Unveils World’s First Sodium-Ion Battery EV: What You Need to Know for 2026

Chinese battery powerhouse CATL is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market. The company has announced plans to launch the world’s first sodium-ion battery-powered EV by the end of 2026, in partnership with Chinese automaker Changan Automobile, according to a report by InsideEV on February 10.

CATL’s innovative sodium-ion battery, dubbed ‘Naxtra,’ boasts an impressive energy density of up to 175Wh/kg. This translates to a pure electric range exceeding 400 kilometers (248 miles). As the supply chain matures, industry experts anticipate even greater range capabilities. The HYBE lead model is expected to achieve 300-400 kilometers (186-248 miles), while the all-electric variant could push the envelope to 500-600 kilometers (310-372 miles).

Naxtra’s performance in extreme conditions is particularly noteworthy. At a bone-chilling -22°F (-30°C), it delivers over three times the output of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Even more impressive, it retains more than 90% of its capacity at -40°F (-40°C). The battery’s resilience extends to -58°F (-50°C), where it continues to provide stable power output. CATL has also demonstrated Naxtra’s safety credentials, with the battery withstanding severe stress tests including crushing, puncturing, and cutting without ignition.

The Changan Qiuyuan A06 will be the first vehicle to showcase this groundbreaking technology, with plans to expand to other models in the future. All eyes will be on Naxtra’s real-world performance, particularly in the harsh winter conditions of western and northeastern China, to see if it lives up to its promising specifications.