Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has made significant advancements in its sodium-ion battery cell technology, which could potentially lower costs and improve performance without compromising safety. This move is a major step forward in the development of electric vehicles.
The company’s new Naxtra sodium-ion cells boast impressive specs, including an energy density of 175 Wh per kg, comparable to high-end lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. The Naxtra cell also offers potential for significant safety improvements, having withstood intense stress tests, including drilling and cutting the cell in half without a thermal event.
The new technology is set to be featured in over 67 electric vehicle models by the end of the year, including several cars that can charge at speeds of up to 1,000 kW. This capability is comparable to filling up a gas tank, with some models able to add around 300 miles (482 km) of range in just five minutes.
While this technology has been made available after BYD, CATL’s biggest competitor, it marks a significant development for the company and the broader electric vehicle industry. As one commenter noted, the potential impact on the market is substantial, with many models expected to feature the new Naxtra cells by the end of the year.
With its groundbreaking sodium-ion battery technology, CATL is poised to make a major contribution to the growth of the electric vehicle market and improve the overall performance and safety of these vehicles.
Source: https://electrek.co/2025/04/21/catl-unveils-ev-battery-charges-as-fast-as-pumping-gas