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World’s First Electric Car Powered By Sodium-ion Batteries by China

In a major breakthrough for electric vehicles, China has unveiled the world’s first passenger car powered by sodium-ion batteries. Developed by battery giant CATL in partnership with automaker Changan, this new technology could reshape the future of EVs by offering safer, cheaper, and more reliable performance—especially in extreme weather.

The debut model, the Changan Nevo A06 (also called Qiyuan A06), is expected to deliver a driving range of about 248 miles (400 kilometers) on China’s standard test cycle. Even more impressive, CATL claims the battery performs exceptionally well in freezing temperatures, retaining over 90% of its range at –40°C and remaining stable down to –50°C.

Public road deployment is targeted for mid-2026, marking a significant step away from today’s heavy reliance on lithium-based batteries.

A New Chapter for Electric Vehicles

For years, lithium-ion batteries—especially lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel-rich chemistries—have powered most electric vehicles. While effective, these batteries face challenges such as rising material costs, fire risks, and reduced performance in very hot or cold climates.

Sodium-ion batteries offer a promising alternative.

Unlike lithium, sodium is abundant, widely available, and far cheaper to source. This makes sodium-ion technology attractive for large-scale EV production, especially as global demand for batteries continues to grow.

CATL, the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, revealed its Naxtra sodium-ion battery in April 2025 and announced plans for mass production starting June. Just months later, the technology has moved from laboratory testing to real vehicles—an unusually fast transition in the automotive world.

From Concept to Commercial Reality

On February 4, CATL and Changan officially presented what they describe as the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion EV. The Nevo A06 serves as the first platform for this new battery system.

But this is only the beginning.

Changan plans to roll out sodium-ion batteries across several of its sub-brands, including Qiyuan, Deepal, Avatr, and Uni. This wide adoption signals strong confidence in the technology and suggests sodium-ion batteries could soon appear in many different vehicle types—from compact cars to larger family EVs.

CATL has already begun commercial deployment of sodium-ion packs in light commercial vehicles through its Tianxing II battery system, showing that the technology is ready for scaled production.

How Powerful Are Sodium-Ion Batteries?

CATL’s sodium-ion cells reach an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg, which is similar to lithium iron phosphate batteries. While this is lower than high-end nickel-based lithium batteries, it is more than sufficient for affordable, short- to mid-range electric vehicles.

The Nevo A06 will use a 45 kWh sodium-ion battery pack, delivering the estimated 248-mile range.

For comparison, lithium-powered versions of the same model in China use a larger 63.18 kWh battery and can reach up to 397 miles (630 km) on paper—but their performance drops sharply in cold weather.

In real-world winter conditions, sodium-ion batteries may actually provide more reliable driving than traditional lithium packs.

Built for Extreme Cold

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of CATL’s sodium-ion battery is how well it performs in freezing temperatures.

According to CATL:

  • At –30°C, the battery delivers three times more discharge power than comparable LFP batteries.

  • At –40°C, it retains over 90% of its driving range.

  • It remains stable and operational down to –50°C.

This is a huge advantage for drivers in cold regions, where lithium-based batteries often suffer from slow charging, reduced power, and major range loss during winter.

With sodium-ion technology, EVs could become far more practical in places with harsh climates, from northern China and Europe to parts of North America and Central Asia.

Safer and More Affordable

Beyond cold-weather performance, sodium-ion batteries bring important safety benefits.

They are less prone to overheating and thermal runaway, which lowers the risk of battery fires—one of the biggest concerns surrounding electric vehicles today.

Cost is another major factor. Sodium is far cheaper and more plentiful than lithium, cobalt, or nickel. This could significantly reduce battery prices over time, making electric cars more affordable for everyday buyers.

CATL also uses a cell-to-pack design, where battery cells are integrated directly into the pack without unnecessary structural parts. This improves space efficiency and helps offset sodium’s lower energy density.

Together, these features make sodium-ion batteries well suited for:

  • Budget-friendly EVs

  • City and mid-range vehicles

  • Commercial fleets

  • Stationary energy storage systems

Looking Ahead: Longer Range on the Way

While the first sodium-ion EV offers around 248 miles of range, CATL says future versions could reach 310 to 372 miles (500–600 kilometers) as materials and cell designs improve.

This would make sodium-ion batteries competitive with many mainstream lithium-powered EVs, opening the door to broader global adoption.

At the same time, CATL continues to innovate across battery technologies. The company recently unveiled its new 5C fast-charging EV battery, claiming a full charge in just 12 minutes and a lifespan exceeding one million miles—addressing two of the biggest concerns for EV buyers: charging time and durability.

A Potential Turning Point for the EV Industry

China’s first sodium-ion battery-powered passenger car represents more than just a new model launch—it signals a possible shift in how the world builds electric vehicles.

By reducing dependence on lithium, improving safety, and delivering strong performance in extreme conditions, sodium-ion technology could help accelerate EV adoption worldwide.

If CATL and Changan succeed with their mid-2026 rollout, sodium-ion batteries may soon become a common sight on roads—not just in China, but across the globe.

The race for next-generation batteries is heating up, and with this bold move, China has firmly placed itself at the front of the pack.

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