Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s leading energy solutions provider, has achieved a global milestone with its Naxtra Battery, the world’s first sodium-ion battery to pass China’s new national safety certification (GB 38031-2025). Set for mass integration into electric vehicles in 2026, the breakthrough technology promises enhanced safety, superior cold-weather performance, and reduced carbon impact—strengthening the global shift toward sustainable mobility.
Sodium-ion batteries operate by shuttling sodium ions between electrodes, offering high energy density, fast-charging capabilities, and exceptional thermal stability. CATL introduced its first-generation sodium-ion battery in 2021 and established an industrial chain by 2023. In 2025, the company unveiled the Naxtra Battery, the first mass-produced sodium-ion EV battery, featuring a class-leading energy density of 175 Wh/kg and a wide operating range of -40°C to +70°C. Notably, it retains 90% usable power even at -40°C, making it ideal for extreme climates.
Certification and Safety Milestone
The Naxtra Battery successfully cleared China’s stringent “Safety Requirements for Power Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles” (GB 38031-2025), which will take effect on July 1, 2026. Conducted by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center’s New Energy Testing Center, the tests verified thermal stability, bottom-impact resistance, and rapid-charging safety, demonstrating industry-leading reliability at both cell and pack levels.
Strategic Partnerships
CATL is collaborating with Li Auto and other automakers to integrate the Naxtra Battery into upcoming EV models. Production is aligned with partner timelines, with rollout planned for 2026. The battery is also compatible with CATL’s Choco-Swap ecosystem, enabling quick swaps in under 100 seconds through modular packs (#20 and #25).
Technical Advantages
- Energy Density & Range: 175 Wh/kg, enabling EV ranges over 500 km.
- Extreme Temperature Performance: Reliable from -40°C to 70°C, unlocking northern and high-latitude markets.
- Sustainability: Reduces reliance on lithium, lowering environmental impact.
- Safety: Robust design withstanding stringent mechanical and thermal tests.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
CATL is also advancing its Freevoy Dual-Power system, combining sodium-ion with LFP self-forming anode technology to extend EV range in cold conditions. This hybrid approach could transform battery flexibility, allowing customizable chemistries for urban, long-haul, and extreme-climate transport.
With its certification and upcoming large-scale vehicle integration, the Naxtra Battery marks a pivotal moment in sodium-ion adoption. Beyond EVs, the technology is expected to drive applications in energy storage, households, and industry, solidifying CATL’s position at the forefront of next-generation sustainable energy solutions.
