On April 21, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) unveiled its first sodium-ion battery brand, Sodium New, during its Super Technology Day event. According to Gao Huan, the Chief Technology Officer for domestic passenger and commercial vehicles at CATL, the introduction of sodium-ion batteries is aimed at large-scale production, leveraging the abundant availability of sodium resources. This shift is expected to significantly reduce reliance on lithium resources, with predictions that sodium-ion batteries could replace half of the market currently held by lithium iron phosphate batteries.
During the event, CATL also introduced three new power battery products: the Sodium New passenger car power battery, the Xiaoyao dual-core battery, and the second-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery. Additionally, a new storage battery product was launched, the Sodium New 24V heavy truck integrated battery. CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun stated that as of February this year, the company has served over 18.23 million vehicles, accumulating over 300 billion kilometers of operational data, thereby creating the industry’s most comprehensive database of real user scenarios.
At the Super Technology Day, CATL officially launched the Sodium New battery brand, which includes two products: the Sodium New passenger car power battery and the Sodium New 24V heavy truck integrated battery. In an interview, Gao Huan emphasized that CATL’s sodium batteries are the world’s first to achieve large-scale production, breaking resource boundaries and promoting a shift from reliance on a single resource to energy freedom. However, with the continuing decline in the price of lithium carbonate, a key raw material for power batteries, questions arise about the cost advantages of sodium-ion batteries. Recent data from Shanghai Steel Union indicates that the average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate is 70,300 yuan per ton. In response, Ouyang Chuying, Co-President of CATL’s R&D system, stated that while lithium carbonate prices are falling, advancements in technology are also driving down the costs of sodium-ion batteries, which are expected to have better cost advantages than lithium-ion batteries in the future.
As the technology for sodium-ion batteries matures, Gao Huan anticipates an increasing level of commercialization, with expectations that these batteries will capture half of the market currently dominated by lithium iron phosphate batteries. The Sodium New passenger car power battery and the Sodium New 24V heavy truck integrated battery are designed to perform well in extreme temperatures, functioning efficiently in a temperature range from -40°C to 70°C. Notably, the Sodium New passenger car battery retains 90% of its usable power at -40°C. Even at a state of charge (SOC) of just 10%, the battery maintains its performance without significant degradation. Furthermore, it features a 5C ultra-fast charging capability, with mass production scheduled to begin in December of this year. The Sodium New 24V heavy truck integrated battery boasts a lifespan exceeding 8 years, with total lifecycle costs reduced by 61% compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, and is set for mass production in June.
On the same day, CATL also introduced the second-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery, which allows for a 5-minute charge that provides over 520 kilometers of range. This battery is the world’s first lithium iron phosphate battery to combine an ultra-long range of 800 kilometers with a 12C fast charge capability. Even when discharged, the second-generation Shenxing battery can output 830 kW of power. In low temperature conditions of -10°C, this battery can recharge from 5% to 80% within 15 minutes. In 2023, CATL launched the first Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery, which has a 4C fast charge capability, delivering 400 kilometers of range with a 10-minute charge, and has established partnerships with 16 vehicle manufacturers.
Additionally, CATL introduced the new Xiaoyao dual-core battery. Gao Huan explained that this dual-core architecture breaks the boundaries of a single chemical system and integrates various dimensions such as chemical systems, energy management, and safety redundancy to meet diverse needs, ushering in a “multi-core era” for electric vehicles. The dual-core design means the battery pack contains two independent energy zones, featuring five key dual-core functions, including high-pressure, low-pressure, structural, thermal management, and thermal runaway safety protection, ensuring continuous, stable, and safe power output. The Xiaoyao dual-core battery can intelligently adjust energy distribution strategies based on the vehicle’s driving status and user habits. The main energy zone can adapt different chemical system cells to meet daily driving needs, while the range-extending energy zone can utilize high specific energy self-generating negative electrode technology to provide additional power for long-distance travel.
In the first quarter of this year, CATL’s battery sales exceeded 120 GWh, reflecting a year-on-year increase of over 30%, with energy storage batteries accounting for nearly 20% of sales. CATL reported a year-on-year growth in power battery sales in the European market during this period. A company representative noted that CATL’s market share in Europe has risen from 17% in 2021 to 38% in 2024, securing the top position, with further increases expected this year. Regarding the impact of U.S. tariffs on the company’s business, the representative mentioned that U.S. operations account for a small portion of total shipments, and the company has proactively prepared for any environmental changes since last year, resulting in minimal impacts on performance. CATL is actively collaborating with customers to find solutions.
Moreover, emerging markets such as the Middle East and Australia are experiencing rapid growth in energy storage, driven by demands for renewable energy and AI data centers. CATL has secured significant energy storage projects in these regions. Overall, demand remains strong in both domestic and international markets, with the company operating at near full capacity. Additionally, CATL confirmed that its H-shares listing application submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on February 11 progressed smoothly, with a hearing held on April 10, which will accelerate its internationalization strategy.
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