China Starts Making Sodium-Ion EVs

China has begun producing sodium-ion electric vehicles, moving ahead of Western automakers like Tesla and opening the door to a new category of EVs. CHANGAN Automobile recently unveiled an electric passenger car powered by a sodium-ion battery supplied by CATL, with volume production expected to begin later this year. 

CATL serves as CHANGAN’s exclusive sodium-ion battery partner, supplying Naxtra batteries across the automaker’s full lineup, including Deepal, UNI, Qiyuan, and AVATR. 

CATL’s Naxtra battery delivers an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram, signaling readiness for commercial deployment. A Cell-to-Pack design helps reduce overall weight while enabling an estimated driving range of about 400 kilometers. Cold-weather performance is another standout feature, with the battery retaining more than 90% capacity at minus 40 degrees Celsius and remaining operational at temperatures down to minus 50 degrees Celsius. 

Safety testing included crushing, drilling, and sawing, with the battery continuing to function without producing smoke or flames. While sodium-ion batteries are heavier than lithium-ion alternatives, they offer tradeoffs through lower-cost supply chains, strong cold-climate performance, and the potential for faster charging. 

One of CATL’s key engineering hurdles during production was reducing battery weight without eroding the cost advantages associated with this class of batteries. In the meantime, abundant raw materials, cleaner manufacturing processes, and simplified recycling all help diversify supply chains while reducing environmental impact. 

Looking ahead, projected ranges are expected to expand as production scales. Battery-electric models could reach between 310 and 372 miles, while range-extended and hybrid variants may deliver 186 to 248 miles, covering more than half of current new-energy vehicle range requirements. However, wider availability of hybrid and range-extended options could limit demand for fully battery-electric versions in some segments. 

Battery swapping represents another area where sodium-ion technology could gain traction. CATL has designed its sodium-ion batteries for compatibility across multiple automakers, supporting standardized exchange systems. By 2026, the company plans to deploy more than 3,000 Choco-Swap battery exchange stations across 140 Chinese cities, including over 600 locations in colder northern regions. 

This milestone places China ahead of Tesla, the modern pioneer of battery electric vehicles, in bringing sodium-ion passenger vehicles to market. Much like its early embrace of electric vehicles, CHANGAN is positioning itself at the forefront of another battery transition. 

Tesla, once known for reshaping the global auto industry, has yet to introduce sodium-ion batteries for light-duty EVs as its leadership has prioritized other strategic and political initiatives. Other American automakers like Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: RIVN) could end up switching to this battery chemistry once it gains traction and customer trust. 

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