Chinese battery giant CATL has initiated mass production of its first-generation sodium-ion batteries, dramatically accelerating a timeline experts once believed would not be viable until 2035. This breakthrough represents a significant shift in the energy storage landscape.

The new batteries offer a compelling alternative to traditional lithium-ion, matching capacity and size at a fraction of the cost—reportedly just one-tenth. They boast an impressive 25-year lifespan, maintain performance in extreme cold as low as -30°C, and are considered highly safe.

CATL began producing a 24V sodium-ion battery for heavy-duty trucks in July. Looking ahead, the company plans to commence mass production of its next-generation Naxtra sodium-ion battery line by December 2025, promising even higher energy density and further solidifying sodium’s role in the future of power.

Janus Press