News, 22 April 2025
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has introduced its second generation of sodium-ion batteries, under the brand name Naxtra. The first-generation of sodium-ion battery was unveiled in 2021.
The Naxtra battery boasts notable improvements over its predecessor, addressing some of the key limitations that previously hindered the broader application of sodium-ion technology in EVs. A crucial metric for EV batteries is energy density, and the second-generation Naxtra achieves an impressive 175 Wh/kg. While this is currently comparable to mainstream lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, CATL has indicated ambitions to push this figure beyond 200 Wh/kg, further narrowing the gap with some nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) lithium-ion chemistries. This increased energy density translates directly to longer driving ranges for electric vehicles equipped with Naxtra batteries, making them a viable option for a wider array of vehicle segments.
One of the most striking advantages of the Naxtra battery is its performance in extreme low temperatures. Traditional lithium-ion batteries can experience significant capacity fade and power reduction in cold weather, impacting EV range and charging speed. CATL’s second-generation sodium-ion battery, however, demonstrates remarkable resilience, retaining an impressive 90% of its usable power even at a frigid -40°C. Furthermore, it can support charging at temperatures as low as -30°C, significantly mitigating the “winter range anxiety” often associated with EVs in colder climates. This inherent low-temperature capability makes Naxtra a particularly attractive solution for markets with diverse climatic conditions.
Safety is another paramount concern in EV battery technology, and sodium-ion chemistry offers inherent advantages in this regard. Sodium-ion batteries are generally considered less prone to thermal runaway compared to some lithium-ion counterparts, contributing to a higher level of safety. CATL has emphasized the intrinsic safety of the Naxtra battery at the material level and has demonstrated its robustness through rigorous testing, including resistance to physical penetration and extreme stress without combustion or explosion.
Beyond its core performance metrics, CATL is also exploring innovative integration strategies to maximize the potential of Naxtra. The company has introduced a “dual-power architecture” that can combine Naxtra sodium-ion cells with other battery chemistries, such as LFP. This hybrid approach leverages the strengths of each technology – the excellent low-temperature performance of sodium-ion and the potentially higher energy density of LFP – to create battery systems optimized for both range and performance in varying conditions. Additionally, the development of “self-forming anode technology” can further enhance the energy density of battery packs incorporating sodium-ion cells.
The resource availability of sodium is a significant advantage underpinning the development of sodium-ion batteries. Unlike lithium, which can be subject to supply chain constraints and price volatility due to its concentrated geographical distribution, sodium is abundant and widely distributed globally, being readily available in sources like seawater and salt deposits. This reduces the reliance on critical minerals and has the potential to contribute to more stable and potentially lower battery production costs in the long term. While the initial production costs of sodium-ion batteries are currently influenced by smaller-scale manufacturing and the established economies of scale for lithium-ion, experts anticipate that costs will become increasingly competitive as production ramps up, potentially reaching parity or even becoming cheaper than LFP batteries in the coming years.
CATL has ambitious plans for the mass production and deployment of the Naxtra battery. The company has announced that mass production is slated to begin in December 2025, with wider market adoption in electric vehicles expected to gain momentum by 2027. The Naxtra battery is being targeted for a range of EV applications, including passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. While specific EV models incorporating the Naxtra battery are yet to be widely announced, CATL’s position as a leading battery supplier to numerous global automakers suggests that we can anticipate seeing this technology integrated into upcoming EV launches.
The introduction of CATL’s second-generation sodium-ion battery, Naxtra, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of EV battery technology. With its improved energy density, exceptional low-temperature performance, inherent safety advantages, and reliance on abundant raw materials, Naxtra presents a compelling alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly for cost-sensitive segments and applications in diverse climates. As CATL moves towards mass production and integration into electric vehicles, the Naxtra battery has the potential to contribute significantly to the expansion of the EV market by offering a more sustainable, affordable, and high-performing energy storage solution. The coming years will be crucial in observing the real-world impact and market penetration of this promising sodium-ion technology.
