CATL Sodium-Ion Batteries Set to Power GAC Aion Passenger Vehicles

CATL expects CATL sodium-ion batteries to begin appearing in passenger vehicles as early as next quarter, marking a key step toward large-scale commercialization. The first passenger vehicle model using this technology will come from GAC Aion, according to CATL’s chief technology officer Gao Huan.
CATL Sodium-Ion Batteries Expand Into Passenger Vehicles
CATL plans to roll out sodium-ion batteries for passenger vehicles in the second quarter, following capacity expansion and validation across multiple use cases. Gao said the technology will gradually scale across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, energy storage systems, and construction machinery, while challenges such as cost optimization continue to be addressed.
Earlier the same day, CATL introduced its Tectrans II power battery series for light commercial vehicles. The lineup includes a 45-kWh sodium-ion battery pack, representing the first sodium-based solution designed specifically for light commercial vehicle applications.
Cold-Weather Performance Validated In Commercial Vehicles
The newly launched sodium-ion battery pack supports charging in extreme cold conditions as low as -30°C. Even at -40°C, it retains 90% of usable capacity, highlighting strong low-temperature resilience.
While CATL did not announce a formal deployment timeline at the launch event, China Securities Journal reported that mass production is scheduled to begin in July. Versions will be available for both charging-based vehicles and battery swap models.
The sodium-ion battery has already completed winter testing in light trucks and mid-size vans from Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp, confirming readiness for real-world commercial use.
High-Power Charging And Simplified Thermal Management
Gao noted that sodium batteries deliver strong high-power discharge performance, with temperature rise remaining below 5°C at a 5C charging rate. This eliminates the need for additional cooling hardware, enabling a simpler and more efficient thermal management system.
He added that the move from laboratory development to mass production demonstrates progress in overcoming traditional low-temperature limitations associated with sodium-ion chemistry.
Energy Density Targets And Next-Generation Development
CATL aims for sodium batteries to reach energy density levels comparable to lithium iron phosphate batteries within three years, while continuing to reduce overall costs. The company is currently developing its third-generation sodium battery to support this goal.
CATL first unveiled its sodium-ion battery technology in July 2021, drawing attention as lithium carbonate prices surged. In April 2025, the company launched its sodium-ion battery brand Naxtra at its Tech Day event, accelerating exploration of lithium battery alternatives.
Naxtra passenger vehicle batteries achieve energy densities of up to 175 Wh/kg, matching LFP batteries and ranking among the highest globally for sodium-ion technology.
Growing Industry Interest Beyond CATL
Beyond CATL, several Chinese startups are also advancing sodium-ion solutions. Hina Battery has multiple sodium battery products already in mass production and sales, covering starter batteries, energy storage systems, and power batteries.
With passenger vehicle deployment approaching and commercial production imminent, CATL sodium-ion batteries are positioned to play a meaningful role in diversifying battery chemistries across the electric vehicle market.