Image: CATL

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has outlined plans to significantly expand the deployment of its sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology across multiple sectors, including energy storage, electric vehicles, and battery swapping systems.

At its supplier conference held on December 28, 2025, in Ningde, Fujian province, CATL confirmed its roadmap for commercializing sodium-ion batteries in 2026. The company said the next phase of development will extend SIB applications beyond their initial focus, covering energy storage systems, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and battery swap solutions.

CATL described this strategy as the beginning of a “dual-star” approach, in which sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries are developed in parallel. According to the company, the combination could create a new industry trend in which “sodium and lithium batteries shine together,” with each chemistry serving different market needs.

Earlier in 2025, CATL launched its sodium-ion battery brand, Naxtra, introducing two initial product lines. These included the “Sodium New Power Battery,” designed as a complete battery solution for passenger vehicles, and the “Sodium New 24V Heavy Truck Start–Park Integrated Battery,” targeting commercial and heavy-duty vehicle applications.

CATL highlighted the operational advantages of sodium-ion technology, particularly its ability to function across a wide temperature range from –40°C to 70°C. This performance is intended to support vehicle and energy storage operations in extreme climates, where conventional battery technologies often face challenges related to heating and cooling requirements.

The company said its latest sodium-ion batteries have achieved an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg. For passenger vehicle applications planned for 2026, CATL indicated that the technology could support driving ranges of up to 500 kilometers under standard conditions.