CATL Targets 10,000+ Sodium-Ion EVs in 2026

CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, is gearing up for a significant expansion of its sodium-ion battery technology. According to a company executive, between 10,000 and 20,000 electric vehicles are expected to hit the road this year powered by these batteries. This marks a major step in commercializing an alternative to traditional lithium-ion cells.

Sodium-ion batteries offer several advantages, including lower cost and better performance in cold weather, making them an attractive option for entry-level EVs. CATL’s Naxtra battery pack, showcased at the Beijing Auto Show in April, exemplifies the company’s push to integrate this technology into mainstream vehicles.

With this ambitious rollout, CATL is betting that sodium-ion can carve out a niche in the EV market, potentially easing concerns about lithium supply and affordability. The move could also accelerate the adoption of EVs in regions where cost is a primary barrier.