CATL to Begin Large-Scale Sodium-Ion Battery Deployment in 2026 — A New Era for EV and Energy Storage Technology Published By Anupam Nath In a major leap for the global energy transition, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s leading battery manufacturer, has officially confirmed that its sodium-ion batteries will enter large-scale deployment starting in 2026. This marks a turning point in the evolution of battery technology, as sodium-ion batteries emerge as a strong competitor to the long-dominant lithium-ion systems.During its supplier conference held in Ningde, Fujian, on December 28, CATL outlined a detailed roadmap for industrial-scale sodium-ion applications. The company plans to roll out the new technology across four major sectors — battery swapping networks, passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and grid-scale energy storage systems.Introducing “Naxtra” — The Power Behind the ShiftEarlier in 2025, CATL unveiled its sodium-ion battery brand “Naxtra” during its first-ever Super Tech Day. The Naxtra lineup currently includes two key product lines:Power batteries designed for electric vehicles.24V integrated start-stop batteries tailored for heavy-duty trucks.Naxtra batteries have already made their debut in FAW Jiefang models, a strong signal that CATL is ready for mass adoption. What sets these batteries apart is their temperature adaptability, with operational efficiency from -40°C to +70°C. This capability makes them particularly promising for regions facing extreme climates, where traditional lithium-ion batteries often suffer performance degradation.Performance and Certification MilestonesCATL's sodium-ion battery technology is no longer confined to laboratories. The Naxtra power battery has already passed China’s national safety certification, becoming the world’s first sodium-ion battery to achieve this milestone. According to CATL, hybrid vehicles equipped with Naxtra can deliver over 200 km of pure electric range, while full EVs can exceed 500 km — impressive figures for a technology that is still relatively new.The Economic Equation — Lower Cost, Longer LifeOne of the biggest appeals of sodium-ion batteries lies in cost-effectiveness. With the global price of lithium remaining high, sodium offers an abundant and affordable alternative. The average cost of sodium-ion cells today stands at around RMB 0.52 per Wh ($0.073 per Wh) and is expected to drop to RMB 0.25 per Wh ($0.035 per Wh) by 2030.Even more striking, these batteries boast a 1.5 times longer cycle life compared to conventional lithium-ion cells, leading to a lower cost per unit of stored energy over time. This combination of affordability, safety, and longevity positions sodium-ion batteries as a cornerstone of the next generation of clean energy infrastructure.Looking AheadIndustry analysts predict that global sodium-ion battery capacity for energy storage will reach 580 GWh by 2030, with automotive applications accounting for another 410 GWh. CATL’s strategic timing ensures it remains at the forefront of this energy revolution, potentially reshaping not only China’s EV ecosystem but also the global battery supply chain.The 2026 deployment marks more than just a product launch — it signals a paradigm shift toward a more sustainable, cost-efficient, and resource-diverse energy future.
