The world of batteries is on the verge of a fundamental change, and at its epicenter is the technology giant CATL. During a large-scale conference in Ninde, the company officially announced that 2026 will be marked by the mass commercial penetration of sodium-ion batteries. This is no longer just an experimental project or a promise from the laboratories – we are talking about implementation in cars and trucks, energy storage systems and infrastructure for rapid battery replacement. With this move, sodium finally drops the label of “cheap alternative“ and becomes an equal player on the global stage.
The foundation of this new era was laid back in the spring of 2025 with the premiere of the Naxtra brand. These cells are a true technological breakthrough, designed to survive and operate in a brutal temperature range – from freezing -40°C to hot 70°C. This is where the big advantage lies over mass-produced lithium-ion batteries, which often lose their breath in extreme cold. The Naxtra line includes not only traction packs for electric vehicles, but also an innovative 24-volt solution for heavy trucks, which guarantees the start of on-board systems even in the harshest Arctic conditions.
The technical parameters of the next generation, which we will see on the roads in 2026, are impressive. The energy density already reaches 175 Wh/kg - a value that was previously considered science fiction in sodium chemistry. This allows compact electric vehicles to travel over 500 kilometers on a single charge, eliminating one of the main fears of consumers. Moreover, CATL has become the first manufacturer in the world to have its sodium-ion batteries certified under the new, extremely stringent Chinese safety standard GB 38031-2025, which sets the bar very high in terms of thermal stability and mechanical strength.
In addition to pure performance, sodium also brings strategic security. Its use dramatically reduces the dependence on scarce and expensive lithium, while also reducing the carbon footprint of production. CATL describes the future as the “era of shared radiance”, where sodium and lithium will coexist, complementing each other depending on the specific needs of the vehicle. As the new standards come into effect in mid-2026, the market will witness a quiet but powerful revolution that could make electric mobility more affordable and reliable than ever.