Zhong Guo Jing Ji Wang·2026-02-06 01:16Core Viewpoint - CATL is advancing its sodium-ion battery technology, which is expected to complement lithium-ion batteries and expand the application scenarios for electric vehicles, marking the beginning of a "sodium-lithium dual-star era" [15] Group 1: Sodium-Ion Battery Development - CATL's sodium-ion battery research began in 2016, with an investment of nearly 10 billion yuan expected by 2025, involving the testing of nearly 300,000 battery cells and over 30,000 material-level analyses [1] - The sodium-ion battery technology has achieved key breakthroughs, including multi-ion extraction, composite antifreeze electrolytes, and high-safety electrolytes [1] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Product Launches - Changan Automobile, in collaboration with CATL, launched its global sodium battery strategy and unveiled the world's first mass-produced sodium-ion passenger vehicle, which is expected to be available by mid-year [3] - Multiple brands under Changan, including Avita, Deep Blue, and Qiyuan, will adopt CATL's new sodium battery technology in their future models [3] Group 3: Market Position and Competitive Landscape - The competition between lithium-ion and sodium-ion technologies continues, with lithium-ion batteries having advantages in energy density and cycle life, while sodium-ion batteries excel in safety, low-temperature adaptability, and fast charging [5] - Despite the dominance of lithium-ion batteries, there is a growing demand for sodium-ion batteries to address specific user needs, such as winter performance and safety concerns [5] Group 4: Performance Metrics and Future Projections - CATL's sodium battery, when paired with its third-generation CTP system, can achieve a pure electric range of over 400 km, with potential upgrades to 500 km or even 600 km in the future [8] - The sodium battery demonstrates exceptional low-temperature performance, maintaining over 90% capacity at -40°C and stable discharge at -50°C [10] - The sodium battery also exhibits superior safety features, remaining functional under extreme abuse conditions without catching fire or exploding [11] Group 5: Ecosystem and Infrastructure Development - CATL is committed to supporting Changan's sodium battery strategy through a comprehensive ecosystem approach, enabling rapid deployment of multiple sodium battery models by 2026 [13] - The company plans to establish over 3,000 battery swap stations across more than 140 cities by 2026, enhancing the charging infrastructure for sodium battery vehicles [13]