Chinese battery giant CATL and automaker Changan have unveiled the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle powered by sodium-ion batteries. The Changan Nevo A06 sedan, equipped with CATL’s Naxtra battery pack, promises a 400 km (248 mi) range, charging capability at -30°C (-20°F), and lower costs—potentially reshaping EV accessibility and resilience in extreme climates.
What if the key to cheaper, more reliable electric cars wasn’t a better lithium battery, but a completely different chemistry? That question is moving from the lab to the showroom. In a significant industry first, China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has teamed with state-owned automaker Changan to launch a production EV powered by sodium-ion batteries, marking a pivotal shift in the energy storage landscape.
The vehicle, a version of the Changan Nevo A06 (also sold as the Qiyuan A06), represents the vanguard of this new technology. About the product is clear: it tackles two of the biggest hurdles for global EV adoption—high cost and poor cold-weather performance—by replacing a significant portion of the lithium in its battery cells with abundant, cheap sodium. According to a press conference held by the partners, this isn’t a one-off; CATL will supply sodium-ion batteries across all Changan brands, signaling a serious commitment.
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So, how does it actually work for a driver? The basic function of the sodium-ion Naxtra battery is to deliver reliable, safer energy storage at a lower price point. The pack offers an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg, which CATL states is competitive with mainstream lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. For the driver, this translates into a practical 400 km range from a 45-kWh pack, with the company projecting future ranges of 500-600 km. The real-world advantage, however, shines in freezing conditions. Reported by CATL, these batteries can charge at a staggering -30°C and retain 90% of their capacity at -40°C, far outperforming lithium batteries which suffer significant range loss in the cold.
The driving force behind this commercial leap is a potent partnership. The innovator and engineer roles are clearly defined: CATL, the world’s largest EV battery maker, developed the core Naxtra cell technology. Their chief technology officer, Gao Huan, stated the breakthroughs bring “greater resilience, a wider operating temperature range, and more sustainable growth to electrification.” Changan Auto then engineered the integration of this new pack into a production passenger vehicle, demonstrating the practical path to market.
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The summary of its value is substantial: sodium-ion technology could democratize EVs by reducing dependence on costly lithium and cobalt, improving safety, and making electric transport viable in the world’s coldest regions. It’s a step toward more geographically inclusive and supply-chain-resilient electrification.
However, this first-generation tech does come with a trade-off. A key limitation is the current energy density and range. The sodium-ion Nevo A06’s 400 km range is less than the 630 km offered by the lithium-ion version of the same car. This means for now, it likely targets urban and regional drivers rather than long-distance travelers, and its initial launch is confined to the Chinese market.
Despite this, the launch is a definitive game-changer. It proves sodium-ion chemistry is no longer just a research project but a commercially viable alternative. “The breakthroughs in sodium-ion technology bring greater resilience, a wider operating temperature range, and more sustainable growth to electrification,” Gao Huan affirmed. By moving first, CATL and Changan aren’t just launching a new car—they’re charging ahead into a new, more diverse era for electric vehicle batteries.
