CATL starts series production of sodium-ion batteries for cold climates, offering -40°C operation, 45 kWh capacity, and 175 Wh/kg density for commercial vehicles.
© CATL
CATL has announced the start of series production for its first commercial sodium-ion battery, designed to operate reliably in extremely cold climates. The new battery is primarily intended for commercial vehicles like light trucks, vans, and specialized equipment used in northern regions, where lithium-ion solutions have previously faced significant limitations.
According to the company, the battery can charge at temperatures as low as -30°C and retains about 90% of its nominal capacity at -40°C. This performance is achieved through the use of sodium, which maintains conductivity in severe cold and is significantly safer than lithium. The Tianxing II battery has a capacity of 45 kWh and offers enhanced resistance to accidents and thermal overloads.
An important achievement is its energy density of 175 Wh/kg, which is nearly double that of earlier sodium-ion solutions and comparable to the popular and affordable LFP chemistry widely used in mass-market electric vehicles. This makes the new technology not only cold-resistant but also competitive in terms of range and weight.
Simultaneously, CATL introduced other battery innovations for commercial transport, including a 253 kWh battery with a range of up to 800 km and a variant with ultra-fast charging capable of replenishing charge in 18 minutes. Together, these developments highlight the company's readiness to move sodium-ion batteries from the experimental stage into full-scale industrial application.