Quick Takeaways
- CATL sodium-ion battery sets new benchmarks for cold-climate commercial EV performance.
- The launch strengthens CATL’s push toward diversified next-generation battery technologies.
CATL sodium-ion battery development has taken a significant step forward as the company introduced a new solution designed specifically for light commercial vehicles. The battery is engineered to operate reliably in extreme cold conditions, retaining up to 90% of usable capacity even at temperatures as low as -40°C, according to the company.
CATL announced the new sodium-ion battery as part of its latest Tectrans II series power batteries, which were officially unveiled at a recent company event. The launch marks CATL’s first major move in the sodium-ion battery segment this year, with a clear focus on accelerating real-world adoption.
CATL sodium-ion battery targets cold-region commercial transport
The low-temperature variant within the Tectrans II lineup is a sodium-ion battery developed for demanding operating environments. CATL stated that this is the industry’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery specifically designed for light commercial vehicles. The battery pack offers a capacity of 45 kWh and is intended for small vans and micro-trucks operating in harsh climates.
Even under extreme winter conditions, the battery remains functional. CATL confirmed that the pack can be charged at temperatures as low as -30°C, ensuring operational continuity for logistics and delivery fleets. At -40°C, the battery continues to retain 90% of its usable capacity, highlighting its cold-resilience advantage.
Tectrans II expands fast charging and thermal performance
Beyond the sodium-ion option, the Tectrans II series includes multiple performance-focused battery variants. One version supports ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes at -15°C. This capability addresses downtime challenges commonly faced by commercial vehicle operators.
A high-temperature ultra-fast charging version is also part of the lineup. CATL stated that this variant can add 60% driving range in 18 minutes, while achieving a cell life of up to 5,000 cycles at an operating temperature of 45°C. These specifications underline the series’ durability across temperature extremes.
Long-range and battery swap solutions in Tectrans II
The Tectrans II series further includes a long-range battery option with a maximum pack capacity of 253 kWh, capable of delivering up to 800 kilometers of driving range. This configuration is aimed at long-haul and high-utilization commercial applications where extended range is critical.
CATL also introduced battery swap-compatible packs within the series to support flexible energy replenishment models. These include the #20 battery swap block with a 42 kWh capacity, the #25 block rated at 56 kWh, and the #35 block offering 81 kWh. These options support faster turnaround times for commercial fleets.
Sodium-ion batteries positioned for broader adoption
At a supplier conference held on December 28 in Ningde, Fujian, CATL stated that sodium-ion batteries are expected to see large-scale adoption starting in 2026. The company highlighted applications across battery swapping systems, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage solutions.
CATL also noted that sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries are expected to form a “dual-star” development trend in the future. With the introduction of the CATL sodium-ion battery for light commercial vehicles, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of diversified battery technologies tailored for real-world operating challenges.
CATL announced the new sodium-ion battery as part of its latest Tectrans II series power batteries, which were officially unveiled at a recent company event. The launch marks CATL’s first major move in the sodium-ion battery segment this year, with a clear focus on accelerating real-world adoption.
CATL sodium-ion battery targets cold-region commercial transport
The low-temperature variant within the Tectrans II lineup is a sodium-ion battery developed for demanding operating environments. CATL stated that this is the industry’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery specifically designed for light commercial vehicles. The battery pack offers a capacity of 45 kWh and is intended for small vans and micro-trucks operating in harsh climates.
Even under extreme winter conditions, the battery remains functional. CATL confirmed that the pack can be charged at temperatures as low as -30°C, ensuring operational continuity for logistics and delivery fleets. At -40°C, the battery continues to retain 90% of its usable capacity, highlighting its cold-resilience advantage.
Tectrans II expands fast charging and thermal performance
Beyond the sodium-ion option, the Tectrans II series includes multiple performance-focused battery variants. One version supports ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes at -15°C. This capability addresses downtime challenges commonly faced by commercial vehicle operators.
A high-temperature ultra-fast charging version is also part of the lineup. CATL stated that this variant can add 60% driving range in 18 minutes, while achieving a cell life of up to 5,000 cycles at an operating temperature of 45°C. These specifications underline the series’ durability across temperature extremes.
Long-range and battery swap solutions in Tectrans II
The Tectrans II series further includes a long-range battery option with a maximum pack capacity of 253 kWh, capable of delivering up to 800 kilometers of driving range. This configuration is aimed at long-haul and high-utilization commercial applications where extended range is critical.
CATL also introduced battery swap-compatible packs within the series to support flexible energy replenishment models. These include the #20 battery swap block with a 42 kWh capacity, the #25 block rated at 56 kWh, and the #35 block offering 81 kWh. These options support faster turnaround times for commercial fleets.
Sodium-ion batteries positioned for broader adoption
At a supplier conference held on December 28 in Ningde, Fujian, CATL stated that sodium-ion batteries are expected to see large-scale adoption starting in 2026. The company highlighted applications across battery swapping systems, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage solutions.
CATL also noted that sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries are expected to form a “dual-star” development trend in the future. With the introduction of the CATL sodium-ion battery for light commercial vehicles, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of diversified battery technologies tailored for real-world operating challenges.
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