CATL Set To Unveil 2nd-Gen Sodium-Ion Battery In 2025

Having first showcased its sodium-ion battery tech back in 2021, CATL has unveiled its second-generation sodium-ion battery, and it’s set to launch in 2025, followed by mass production by 2027.

The new battery can function well in extreme cold temperatures as low as -40°C, and it also offers improved safety too on top of offering an energy density level above 200 Wh/kg (not officially confirmed).

Sodium-ion batteries work similarly to lithium-ion batteries by transferring ions between electrodes to store energy. They are safer and perform better in cold temperatures but have lower energy density. These features make them ideal for use in colder climates.

However, though sodium-ion batteries are expected to cost less versus Lithium-ion, due to abundant raw materials, they are currently more expensive because they are produced in smaller quantities compared to lithium-ion batteries. Additionally falling lithium prices too have not helped in pushing the development of sodium-ion batteries.

Some automakers, such as Chery and JAC, as well as scooter brands like Aima and Yadea, have already started using CATL’s sodium-ion batteries. Reports suggest that second-generation sodium-ion batteries could replace 20-30% of lithium iron phosphate batteries in small or short-range vehicles.

Meanwhile, According to CarNewsChina, BYD has stated that its sodium-ion batteries aim to match the cost of lithium iron phosphate batteries by 2025 and eventually be 30% cheaper. BYD is also working on a sodium-ion batteries production facility which is under construction targeting to produce batteries with an energy density level of up to 130 Wh/kg, casting doubt on CATL’s 200 Wh/kg claim.