CATL Unveils New Sodium-Ion Battery Brand and Advances Fast-Charging Technology
Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) has launched a new brand for its sodium-ion batteries called Naxtra, with mass production scheduled to begin in December. The company also unveiled the second generation of its Shenxing fast-charging battery for electric vehicles.
CATL, which pioneered the launch of sodium-ion batteries in 2021, is positioning Naxtra as a potentially cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The first production line under the Naxtra brand will produce sodium-ion batteries with an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram, comparable to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries commonly used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Ouyang Chuying, CATL’s co-president for R&D, noted that sodium-ion batteries may offer a cost advantage as the technology and supply chain mature. CATL’s founder, Robin Zeng, has suggested that sodium-ion batteries could potentially replace up to half of the LFP battery market, which CATL currently dominates.
In addition to the Naxtra brand, CATL launched the second generation of its Shenxing fast-charging battery. This new battery can provide a 520 km driving range with just a five-minute charge and reach 80% charging from 0% in 15 minutes, even in cold weather. CATL’s Chief Technology Officer, Gao Huan, announced that over 67 new electric vehicle models will be powered by the Shenxing battery this year.
CATL also introduced a new system to pair battery packs together, similar to the two-engine system used in passenger jets, which the company claims will enhance EV safety. The company’s batteries are currently used in over 18.32 million cars operating in more than 66 countries worldwide.
The announcement comes as CATL reported a 15% growth in 2024 net profit, although it was the slowest pace in six years due to the ongoing price war in China’s electric vehicle market.
