A significant development comes from China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer. CATL has launched a new sodium-ion battery brand called Naxtra, with mass production set to begin in December 2025. The first Naxtra battery boasts an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, nearly matching the performance of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries commonly used in EVs and grid storage. Sodium-ion batteries, leveraging the abundant and inexpensive element sodium, promise cost advantages and reduced fire risks compared to lithium-ion batteries, potentially transforming the EV market. CATL also introduced the second generation of its Shenxing fast-charging battery, capable of delivering a 520 km range with just a five-minute charge, alongside a new dual-battery pack system to enhance EV safety. This move aligns with China’s broader push to dominate sodium-ion technology, as seen in earlier developments like the country’s first large-scale sodium-ion battery energy storage station in 2024. However, while sodium-ion batteries offer sustainability benefits, their energy density still lags behind the latest lithium-ion advancements, which may limit their immediate impact.
