Chinese battery giant CATL has revealed a new sodium-ion battery that it says can last up to 15,000 charge cycles or 20 years of use. The announcement came at an event backed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), signaling strong government support for the technology.
One Shell, Two Cells
The battery uses what CATL calls its 'One Shell, Two Cells' platform, which pairs sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells in a standardized pack. That design lets automakers mix and match chemistries depending on cost or performance needs. The company says the sodium cells perform well even in extreme cold, a common weak point for lithium batteries.
600 Kilometers of Range
For electric vehicles, CATL is targeting a range of up to 600 kilometers on a single charge. That puts the sodium-ion pack within striking distance of many current lithium-ion systems. The long cycle life — 15,000 charges — could also make the battery attractive for commercial fleets or energy storage, where replacement costs matter.
Synthetic Carbon Anodes
A key piece of the battery is its anode material. CATL says it uses locally sourced synthetic carbon instead of graphite, which is largely controlled by Chinese processors. That move could help the company sidestep supply chain risks and lower costs. Sodium itself is far more abundant than lithium, and the chemistry doesn't rely on cobalt or nickel.
The battery is still in the early stages of commercialization. CATL hasn't announced which automakers will use it first or when production will begin. But with MIIT backing and a clear path to 600 km of range, the technology has a shot at reshaping how EV makers think about battery costs and longevity.
