Zhong Guo Ji Jin Bao·2026-02-05 07:13Core Viewpoint - Changan Automobile, in collaboration with CATL, has unveiled the world's first sodium battery mass-produced passenger vehicle, expected to launch in mid-2026 [2][4]. Group 1: Sodium Battery Characteristics - Sodium batteries are gaining attention as an alternative to lithium batteries, with CATL's chairman highlighting the resource advantages of sodium, which is 421 times more abundant in the earth's crust compared to lithium [5]. - The sodium battery's low-temperature performance and safety features address concerns regarding electric vehicles, with the first sodium battery vehicle demonstrating nearly three times the discharge power at -30°C compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate models [5][7]. - The sodium battery's energy density reaches 175Wh/kg, positioning it among the highest in the industry, and future advancements could increase electric range to 500-600 km [7]. Group 2: Market Potential and Growth - The sodium battery industry is entering a critical growth phase, with global shipments expected to reach 9GWh by 2025, marking a 150% year-on-year increase [8]. - By 2030, the global market for sodium batteries in energy storage is projected to reach 580GWh, while the automotive sector is expected to exceed 410GWh [8]. - CATL's sodium battery development began in 2016, with nearly 10 billion yuan invested by 2025, and the company plans to establish over 3,000 battery swap stations across more than 140 cities by 2026 [8].