CATL to Mass-Produce Sodium-Ion Batteries Within the Year

[Technical Breakthrough] CATL will achieve large-scale mass production of sodium-ion batteries by 2026 and has initiated R&D efforts on lithium-air batteries.

Core Development: Official Confirmation of Sodium Battery Mass Production Timeline

At the 2026 Equipment Powerhouse Forum, Wu Kai announced that CATL has successfully bridged the critical path from laboratory development to large-scale production of sodium-ion batteries and will launch a series of mass-produced products this year. The battery has passed China’s new national standards certification, becoming the world’s first sodium-ion battery to receive such certification.

Key Metrics: Leading Performance and Safety

CATL’s sodium-ion battery delivers an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, supports 5C ultra-fast charging, and achieves a cycle life of up to 10,000 cycles. In extreme cold conditions at -30°C, it can charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes while retaining 93% of usable capacity. It has also passed rigorous safety tests—including nail penetration and crush tests—without catching fire or exploding.

Strategic Foundation: Establishing a Complementary Sodium-Lithium Ecosystem

Sodium-ion batteries are not intended to replace lithium-ion batteries but instead target specific applications such as energy storage and cold-climate regions in northern areas, reducing reliance on lithium resources and promoting a safer, lower-carbon new energy ecosystem. In the long term, the company has already designated lithium-air batteries as a core R&D focus to secure leadership in next-generation battery technology.