CATL(SZ:300750) 高工锂电·2026-02-06 11:53Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical role of sodium batteries in the future of electric vehicles, particularly in cold climates, and highlights the collaboration between CATL and Changan Automobile to validate sodium battery performance in extreme conditions [3][4][5]. Group 1: Market Trends and Projections - By 2025, the penetration rate of new energy vehicles in China's total auto sales is expected to exceed 50%, reaching 50.8%, with some months last year seeing nearly 60% penetration [3]. - CATL's sodium batteries are positioned as essential for the second half of the electrification process, particularly in northern markets where low-temperature performance is crucial [4][5]. Group 2: Product Development and Performance - CATL has developed various sodium battery products, including those for heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles, showcasing significant performance improvements in low-temperature conditions [7][9]. - In tests, sodium batteries demonstrated nearly three times the discharge power compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate models at -30°C, with over 90% capacity retention at -40°C [4][9]. Group 3: Commercialization and Strategic Partnerships - CATL has been actively delivering sodium battery products and has a clear commercialization strategy, moving from commercial vehicles to passenger cars and conducting winter tests to validate performance [5][6]. - The collaboration with Changan Automobile aims to produce models with over 400 km range, with future upgrades targeting 500 km to 600 km [10]. Group 4: Supply Chain and Industry Impact - The entry of CATL into the sodium battery market is expected to drive significant changes in the supply chain, leveraging similarities between lithium and sodium supply systems [13][14]. - CATL's partnership with Rongbai Technology for sodium battery materials is set to expand production capacity significantly, with a projected 101% year-on-year increase in sodium battery cathode material production by 2025 [15][16]. Group 5: Future Applications and Market Expansion - CATL plans to apply sodium batteries extensively in the energy storage sector by 2026, aligning with market reforms that enhance investment returns in storage solutions [17][18]. - The introduction of a new capacity pricing mechanism for independent storage stations is expected to reduce investment uncertainties in sodium battery storage [18]. Group 6: Technological Innovations - CATL has introduced the "sodium-iron" dual-core battery, combining sodium and lithium technologies, which offers a total energy capacity of 75 kWh and a range of 700 km [19].