After first rolling out sodium-ion batteries in commercial vehicles, CATL has now begun deploying them in passenger vehicles. The batteries fall under CATL’s sodium battery brand, Naxtra, which is preparing for public winter testing in passenger cars.

According to reports, Changan’s Oshan models are among the first to take part in these tests, with passenger cars from GAC and JAC expected to follow later.

The focus on winter testing is not accidental. One of sodium-ion batteries’ biggest promises is reliable performance in extreme cold. Lithium-ion batteries, in general, tend to struggle in such conditions. More on that later. 

CATL’s sodium-ion batteries have no risk of fire or explosion 

CATL officially unveiled its sodium-ion battery in April last year, and on paper, the numbers are quite impressive. CATL claims an energy density of 175Wh/kg, a hybrid electric range of over 200km, and a pure electric range exceeding 500km. The battery also supports 5C super-fast charging and is rated for up to 10,000 charge cycles, which suggests a long usable lifespan.

Safety is where CATL is making its strongest case. The company says its sodium-ion batteries have passed extreme tests such as needle penetration, electric drill penetration, extrusion, and even battery sawing without catching fire or exploding. That’s a big reason why sodium-ion batteries are the next viable options for EVs. 

As we mentioned earlier, the sodium-ion batteries also perform exceptionally in cold weather. In real-world tests at –30°C, CATL says the battery can charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, while retaining 93 percent of its usable capacity. Even at just a 10% state of charge, vehicles were reportedly able to maintain highway speeds of 120km/h.

CATL’s sodium-ion battery passed certification under China’s new national standard in September last year. The regulation introduces stricter safety requirements around heat diffusion, underbody impacts, and fast-charging durability. Independent testing by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) also backed CATL’s safety claims at both the cell and battery pack levels.

Beyond safety, sodium-ion technology could help reduce reliance on lithium, lower costs, and improve sustainability.

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Sodium-ion batteries, once sidelined by falling lithium prices, are back in focus. This time, the shift appears to be driven by changing market conditions and renewed interest from customers.

According to recent reports, the world’s largest battery maker is accelerating plans for mass production of its sodium-ion lineup, branded Naxtra, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. The move follows a rebound in lithium carbonate prices, which had plunged after 2022. With mining increasingly regulated, lithium costs have started rising again, narrowing the gap that once made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) the obvious choice.

As a result, sodium-ion cells are once again becoming cheaper to manufacture than many LFP batteries. CATL’s latest sodium-ion technology also appears to address one of the category’s long-standing weaknesses: energy density. The company claims its Naxtra cells reach around 175 Wh/kg, a record for sodium-ion batteries and close to what mainstream LFP packs offer today in electric vehicles and stationary storage. While newer LFP designs are already pushing beyond 200 Wh/kg—such as CATL’s 205 Wh/kg cells—ongoing improvements in sodium-ion technology could narrow that gap further in the coming years.

Cold-weather performance is another key selling point. CATL says the batteries can operate reliably between -40°C and 70°C, retaining usable capacity even in extreme conditions. Vehicles using the packs are claimed to achieve more than 300 miles of range in winter environments, though real-world results will likely vary.

The Naxtra lineup has reportedly become the first commercial sodium-ion battery to pass China’s latest safety and performance standards. Intended uses range from electric cars and commercial fleets to grid storage and battery-swap stations. While CATL has not named its customers, it says several are already preparing for deliveries.

Sodium-ion technology is also starting to appear at the consumer level. Starter batteries based on the chemistry are now available online, with better cold-weather resilience than traditional lead-acid units.

With lithium supply dynamics evolving again, CATL appears to be positioning sodium-ion batteries as a long-term complement rather than a replacement.

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Humanoid robots have been a popular talking point in recent months, but most examples so far have involved carefully staged demos rather than real factory work. CATL, the world’s largest EV battery maker, now claims it has crossed that gap, quietly rolling out humanoid robots on an actual production line.

The company says it has completed large-scale deployment of its Moz humanoid robot at a battery pack factory, making it the first power battery production line to use humanoid “embodied intelligence” robots at scale. Moz was developed by Spirit AI, a CATL subsidiary focused on robotics and automation.

Rather than handling simple pick-and-place jobs, Moz is reportedly positioned at quality-critical stages of the production process. Its main task involves attaching battery connectors, a job that demands high precision, consistency, and careful control of applied force. According to CATL, the robot has reached performance levels comparable to experienced human workers, delivering a reported 99% success rate in connector insertion.

That level of reliability is achieved through an end-to-end vision system that allows the robot to adapt in real time. Moz can compensate for slight misalignments in materials or connection points by adjusting its posture and movements on the fly. It also monitors how much force it applies, ensuring wiring harnesses are secured firmly without damaging fragile components.

CATL contrasts this with reports of difficulties faced by other humanoid robots during factory trials, including overheating joints and failures in complex mechanical assemblies. While those systems have drawn attention through public demonstrations, many have yet to prove they can operate continuously in demanding industrial environments.

The timing is notable, as China’s humanoid robotics sector is expanding rapidly, with some analysts already warning of potential overcapacity similar to what the country experienced in EV manufacturing. CATL’s deployment suggests that, at least in some cases, humanoid robots are moving beyond experiments and into practical, revenue-generating roles on the factory floor.

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(Source: CATL)

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Leading EV battery maker CATL has released a new battery with an impressively long cycle and supports ultra-fast charging. The CATL Tianxing logistics commercial battery was announced alongside two other products – the supercharging version and the long endurance version.

The CATL Tianxing battery is designed for commercial vehicles as well as upstream and downstream partners, according to the company. The Tianxing L-Supercharger version has 4C supercharging capabilities and an impressive 8-year 800,000km warranty. It supports ultra-fast charging that is rated to charge from 0 to 60% in 12 minutes. It also has a large capacity of 140 degrees and achieves a cruising range of 350km. The battery’s long life is due partly to its slow decay rate and can last as long as the vehicle.

The CATL Tianxing L-long-range battery has a claimed cruising range of 500km when moving at an average speed of 80km/h. The battery’s capacity is 200kWh while its energy density is 200Wh/kg. The Tianxing L-long range battery is claimed to have the highest energy density among light commercial vehicle batteries. It can help to reduce the weight of a vehicle by up to 300kg which is quite significant. When compared to traditional new energy vehicles (NEVs), the battery can save an estimated 24,000 yuan ($) in charging costs per year. On the other hand, when compared with internal combustion vehicles, it can save up to 100,000 yuan ($) in fuel costs in a year. The CATL Tianxing L-long-range battery also has an 8-year, 800,000km warranty.

The optics of the debut of the CATL Tianxing commercial battery and their price implications have not been specified yet. It is however expected that the new batteries will be accompanied by a significantly higher price tag than current batteries.

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Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), a prominent player in the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, showed substantial growth in 2023. Anticipating a net profit between 42.5 billion yuan and 45.5 billion yuan, the company expects a robust expansion ranging from 38.3% to 48.1%, building on its impressive 92.89% net profit gain in 2022.

CATL’s optimistic outlook is rooted in the global surge in electric car adoption, with the company commanding a remarkable 37.4% market share in 2023, producing 233.4 gigawatt-hours of batteries. Despite a 4.3% dip in Q3 2023 profits due to a currency exchange loss, the company projects a strong Q4, estimating a profit of 11.35 billion yuan to 14.35 billion yuan, attributed to increased sales volume and lower production costs.

In the ever-expanding Chinese EV market, where approximately 40% of new cars are battery-powered, CATL faces challenges from smaller rivals and the deceleration of demand, especially in the wake of a 37% year-on-year increase in EV deliveries in 2023. However, the company remains at the forefront, holding a 43.11% market share in China, though slightly down from 48.2% in 2022.

Notably, CATL’s global significance is underscored by 40% of its products being sold outside mainland China. As the electric vehicle industry experiences a shift in dynamics, with BYD emerging as a formidable competitor, CATL’s market share in China dipped slightly. BYD, China’s second-ranked EV battery maker, is forecasted to experience an 86.5% net profit increase in 2023, surpassing even Tesla in sales.

Looking ahead, CATL is set to introduce groundbreaking technological advancements, including the Shenxing battery with a 400km driving range in 10 minutes. Moreover, the collaboration with Didi on battery-swapping technology reflects the company’s commitment to innovative solutions in response to evolving market demands.

Despite challenges such as slowing demand and stiff competition, CATL remains a pivotal player in the global EV landscape, with its performance and strategic moves echoing far beyond the Chinese market.

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(via)

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Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is expanding its global presence rapidly. This is according to a new report by Korean firm SNE Research. CATL’s worldwide battery usage outside its home market was about 64 gigawatt-hours from January to September 2023. This corresponds to a 104.9% improvement from the same period of 2022. CATL’s global market share has also risen by 7 percentage points within the period.

The impressive CATL results have put it virtually at par with South Korean manufacturer, LG Energy Solutions with its 28.1% market share. LG Energy Solutions reported a 49.2% growth within Q1-Q3, 2023 but its global market share slightly dipped. SK On and Samsung SDI increased their worldwide battery usage to 24.4GWh and 21.6GWh respectively. SK On and Samsung SDI are respectively the fourth and fifth largest battery manufacturers globally.

South Korea, despite the rising profile of CATL, still accounts for 48.3% global market share, down by 5.8 percentage points from last year. The SNE Research report also showed that global battery installation in electric vehicles was 228GWh from January to September 2023. This is an impressive 54.9% increase from last year. EV sales impliedly also recorded a remarkable increase from 2022. Chinese EV maker BYD was the world’s biggest EV manufacturer and recorded a 4.1GWh battery usage. Chinese company, Farasis Energy also recorded impressive growth numbers with 3GWh battery usage.

The outlook remains positive for CATL as it continues to supply its battery products to a wide array of EV makers. CATL’s customers include Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo, among others. The company is also expanding its reach with Hyundai and Kia its most recent customers. Its influence has rapidly enveloped the local market, while also making inroads globally.

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Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular with new models being released almost every day. However, when we look at each of these vehicles, hey all have similar ranges and charging times. While other technologies such as self-driving can compensate this for many users, the increase in the number of vehicles is driving some regions with poor infrastructure into a serious crisis. Fortunately, the world’s largest battery maker, CATL, has unveiled a new battery that can be charged in 10 minutes and has a range of 400 kilometers. Here are the details…

CATL Unveils New LFP Shenxing Battery with 10-Minute Charge Time

CATL, or Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited, is a Chinese battery manufacturer and technology company that specializes in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. While the company may not be in the news every day, it is a major player in the industry. The Chinese tech giant is currently the world’s leading supplier of batteries to dozens of different companies, including Tesla and BMW. Its market share is estimated to be at least 37%, according to 2022 data.

Now, CATL has unveiled its new Shenxing battery in Europe. The Shenxing battery is made using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) material, which is known for its safety and long lifespan. It is also the first LFP battery to support 4C ultra-fast charging. This means that the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes.

CATL says that the Shenxing battery is also more energy-efficient than previous LFP batteries. This means that it can offer a longer range on a single charge. The company claims that the Shenxing battery can achieve a range of 400 kilometers on a single charge, which is comparable to the range of some ternary lithium batteries.

The Shenxing battery is currently in the prototype stage, but CATL plans to start mass production in 2024. The company says that the battery will be used in a variety of electric vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, and trucks. In addition to the Shenxing battery, CATL also unveiled a new battery management system (BMS) at the IAA MOBILITY 2023. The BMS is designed to improve the safety, efficiency, and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries.

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(via)

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CATL has unveiled a new battery with an impressive charging capability. The new battery can add up to 400km of range in just 10 minutes of charging. The fast charging technology of the new CATL battery has far-reaching positive implications for the market. The battery is called the Shenxing or god-like movement. CATL topped the global EV battery market in the first quarter of 2023 with a 35% market share.

CATL is a Chinese battery manufacturing powerhouse and a major Tesla supplier. The new battery is designed to solve electric vehicles’ charging and range limitations. The new Shenxing battery was launched by CATL’s e-car division during an event on August 16, 2023. Mass production of the CATL Shenxing will begin at the end of this year. The earliest shipping of the new battery will begin in early 2024.

The Shenxing is being propped as the world’s first 4C superfast charging Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. The LFP technology was widely adopted by Tesla for its shorter-range cars in 2021. LFP batteries are known for their affordability and chemical stability. They however have a lower energy density than other types of EV batteries.

Fast charging technology for LFP batteries can help to deliver a higher range. The Shenxing is therefore being awaited with high expectations. It is unclear what would be the maximum range of the new battery but we expect it to be substantial. There are no pricing details yet for the upcoming CATL Shenxing battery.

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The world’s biggest battery maker CATL has announced that it will start producing a new electric-car battery with 620+miles (1000+ kilometers). The EV battery will enter production in 2023 and has been officially named -The Qilin battery. 

The Qilin is deemed 50% more efficient than the battery that is currently used in the Tesla Model S. Against the 620+ miles range of The Qilin, Tesla’s longest-range electric car Tesla Model S only offers a range of 405 miles. In the United States, the longest-range electric car available is the 169,000$ Lucid Air. Lucid Air is a California-based startup and offers an EV that can travel 520 miles per charge.

The Qilin packs a lot of energy into a small space, according to CATL, the largest EV battery producer in the world and a Tesla supplier. This is possible because of breakthroughs in battery chemistry and packaging. According to CATL, the battery has a 255 watt-hour energy density per kilogram and it will be 13% more powerful than the configuration Tesla recently began utilizing for its Model Y SUVs, which is 4680 batteries.

If a vehicle is equipped with adequate batteries, it can go great distances. And making sure that batteries don’t take up too much room or weigh too much is the difficult part.

Additionally, CATL also claimed that The Qilin can charge from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes, making it leagues apart from anything that the market has to offer. However, the real statistics will only be determined when the battery is rolled out in the market and the EVs using The Qilin are on the road.

There has been no official word as to which US electric carmakers will be interested in implementing The Qilin into the cars. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that two Chinese manufacturers of electric cars, Hozon and Li Auto, have so far committed to using the Qilin pack in upcoming models.

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[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxFON7w5uRk[/embedyt]

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Earlier today, China’s AVATR, the joint venture between Huawei, CATL, and Changen Automobile, officially unveiled their first high-end, pure-electric vehicle, the AVATR E11.

The E11 is a mid-size SUV Coupe featuring a futuristic sporty look. The EV also features smooth lines throughout the body with split headlights and a rather minimalist look at the front. It boasts an overall length of 4.8 meters, and like other leading EVs, the car features hidden door handles and sleek end-to-end tail lights, keeping with the gorgeous body lines of the car (via).

When it comes to specs, the E11 is capable of a range of 700 kilometers on a single charge and accelerates from 0-100kmph in less than 4 seconds.

The AVATR E11 is the product of a joint venture between Huawei’s Inside in-vehicle smart car solutions, CATL, a global leader in lithium-ion batteries, and Changan Automobile, a major carmaker in China.

The EV is priced at 300,000 yuan ($47,000 approx.), with the mass production model expected to release in the second quarter of 2022 and mass production and the delivery estimated for Q3 of next year.

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Earlier this year, Huawei, CATL, and Changan Automobile had announced their new smart car joint venture. Now, the jointly created high end smart car brand is gearing up to launch its first car model, the AVATR E11 later this month.

The official Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website) account of AVATR was officially created earlier today (8th November 2021). On the social media platform, the company announced that it will be launching the new smart car on November 15. For those unaware, the AVATR brand is a joint venture between three leading brands that bring together their different expertise. Huawei will offer smart connectivity through its Huawei Inside in-vehicle smart car solutions while CATL is a global leader for lithium ion battery development and manufacturing.

Lastly, Changan Automobile is a major carmaker in China, and the three brands together plan to release high end smart cars that are electric. Notably, the joint venture is also expected to further boost China’s electric vehicle market. Looking at the Weibo post, the newly established brand has announced the online launch event for November 15, with the AVATR E11 being the first car model from the company.

The E11 is a new medium sized SUV smart car, as per official notes. It boasts CATL’s battery technology along with HI support from the Chinese smartphone giant. Reportedly, this vehicle has an overall length of 4.8 meters and is full electric vehicle. Unfortunately, finer details regarding this car is currently unknown, so stay tuned for more updates as we will be covering its launch.

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Inside sources have indicated that US tech powerhouse Apple may be planning on a partnership with Chinese firms CATL and BYD to supply batteries for its planned electric vehicle. The sources say that talks have already begun between the three companies, although it is believed that no concrete agreements have been reached yet. The news further shows that Apple is indeed moving ahead in its plans for an Apple-produced electric vehicle.

Apple will likely settle for lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are cheaper to produce due to their composition. Apple has put in some prerequisites for potential battery supplies for its vehicle. The companies must have manufacturing capacity in the United States, although CATL is yet to have any manufacturing plant in the US. It is a major supplier to some heavy hitters in the industry, including Tesla. Amidst the growing tensions between Washington and Beijing, CATL is reluctant to set up shop in the US, as it fears it may be caught in the political crossfire. In addition, the inside source also indicated that cost considerations might also prevent CATL from manufacturing from the US.

CATL is a global leader in automotive battery production, while BYD is the world’s fourth-largest automotive battery maker. Apple may also discuss with other battery manufacturers before it decides on the preferred supplier of batteries for its EV.

Apple hopes to meet its target date of producing its self-driving passenger vehicle, and the company may also have its designs for a battery for its vehicles. This could mean that a potential partnership with any battery maker is for the possible production of an Apple-designed battery.

The global auto market is fast evolving with a major shift towards electric vehicles even by many traditional automakers. The demand for important components like automotive batteries is fast-growing and current manufacturers like CATL and BYD are expanding their capacity to meet this demand.

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China-based Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), which is a global leader in lithium-ion battery development and manufacturing, has announced that it has partnered with Huawei and Changan Automobile to create a new high-end smart car brand.

The new brand aims at creating a world-class high-end self-controlled smart electric vehicle platform and launch a range of smart cars, along with a super “human car” as a part of smart life and smart energy ecology.

It is said that the companies formed the partnership about a couple of months ago and will be launching new products as a part of this long-term strategic cooperation agreement. It also aims to jointly promote the development of China’s new electric vehicle industry.

Along with that, they have also announced a new technology named “Ark Architecture” and has said that around 105 models will be launched in the coming five years, which would include 23 new electric products.

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Ark Architecture developed by Changan Automobile Research & Development 4.0 is quite important for the company to improve the basic performance of the smart vehicle using artificial intelligence and Big Data.

It covers all A0-C models and is said to be compatible with eight engine states, displacement covers 1.2-2.0L, compatible with 48V low voltage mixing (LV-HEV), high-voltage mixing (HV-HEV), plug-in mixing (PHEV), three electrification power, matching eight transmission models, and 16 power combination modes.

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