China’s CATL, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, has unveiled groundbreaking technologies aimed at making electric cars more competitive with petrol vehicles. The company introduced a new brand for its sodium-ion batteries called Naxtra, expected to enter mass production by December. CATL also launched the second generation of its fast-charging battery, Shenxing, for electric vehicles.
Experts highlight that sodium, being inexpensive and abundant, offers a safer alternative to other battery materials, potentially reducing fire risks in EVs. Key innovations include graphite-free auxiliary batteries that boost energy density, a charging system that adds 320 miles of range in just five minutes, and sodium-ion batteries that perform well in extreme cold temperatures.
While some of these advancements may take 2-3 years to reach the market, they represent a significant step forward in EV technology. CATL manufactures approximately one-third of the world’s EV batteries and supplies 16 major global automakers, including General Motors and Tesla’s Shanghai plant. The company’s billionaire founder, Robin Zeng, believes sodium-ion batteries could eventually capture up to half of the current market for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Other industry players, such as BYD and Huawei, have also introduced supercharging systems enabling five-minute charging times. CATL’s Shenxing battery will power over 67 new EV models this year. The company’s batteries are already in use in over 18 million vehicles across more than 66 countries.
CATL has also introduced a new system that connects battery packs in a configuration similar to the twin-engine setup in passenger jets, aiming to enhance EV safety. The company’s first customer for sodium-ion batteries will be freight trucks from First Auto Works, a manufacturer based in China’s cold northeastern region.
