宁德时代钠电池量产上车，“钠锂之争”再升级

Core Viewpoint - CATL has launched the industry's first mass-produced sodium-ion battery, addressing low-temperature operational challenges for commercial electric vehicles, with plans to enhance energy density to match lithium-ion batteries in the next three years [1][4]. Group 1: Product Launch and Features - The sodium-ion battery, with a capacity of 45kWh, is designed for small commercial vehicles and can operate in extreme cold conditions, maintaining performance even at -30°C [1][3]. - Sodium-ion batteries exhibit a higher energy retention rate at low temperatures (92% at -20°C) compared to lithium-ion batteries (80%), allowing for more efficient energy use [4]. - The new battery technology aims to reduce operational costs for users by 10% through a battery swapping model, enhancing the flexibility of asset management [5][6]. Group 2: Market Trends and Projections - The electric commercial vehicle market in China is expected to see significant growth, with projected sales of 954,000 units by 2025, a year-on-year increase of 65.5% [3]. - CATL's sodium-ion battery is positioned to complement rather than compete with lithium-ion batteries, addressing resource constraints and market differentiation [8]. Group 3: Strategic Vision and Industry Implications - CATL plans to apply sodium-ion batteries across four major sectors: battery swapping, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage by 2026, marking a strategic shift in the energy market [7]. - The company aims to mitigate risks associated with lithium price volatility by increasing the share of sodium-ion batteries, which are based on more abundant and stable resources [8].