When will we see sodium-ion batteries in EVs?

...and why would we buy one?

There are lots of YouTube videos about sodium-ion batteries developed by CATL with amazing specifications and soon to appear in EVs and stationary storage. For example:

"CATL’s Sodium Battery Mass-Production - Same Energy as LFP, But Lasts 3 Times Longer"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFxUW8S9myk

I asked Google AI what are the disadvantages of sodium-ion batteries, and as usual got misleading information:

Sodium-ion battery disadvantages include lower energy density (making them bulkier for the same power), shorter cycle life/faster degradation due to larger, heavier ions causing more stress on electrodes, slower ion movement, and less mature commercialization/supply chains, though ongoing R&D aims to improve these limitations for cost-sensitive grid storage and low-speed EVs.

..."low-speed EVs"???

Hmmm, OK, ask Google "Advantages of CATL sodium ion batteries":

CATL's sodium-ion batteries offer significant advantages, including lower production costs (potentially 30–40% cheaper than lithium), superior low-temperature performance (over 90% capacity retention at -20°C), and faster charging (80% in 15 minutes). They also provide higher thermal stability, improved safety, and competitive energy densities up to 175 Wh/kg.
Key Advantages of CATL Sodium-Ion Batteries:
Superior Cold-Weather Performance: They operate efficiently in extreme, cold climates, retaining over 90% of their capacity at -20°C, significantly outperforming lithium-ion batteries in winter conditions.
Faster Charging Capability: These batteries can charge to 80% state of charge (SOC) within 15 minutes at room temperature, offering high power density for quick charging applications.
Lower Cost & Abundant Materials: Sodium is much more abundant and cheaper than lithium, reducing dependency on volatile, limited mineral supply chains, which could make them 30–40% cheaper.
High Safety & Stability: Sodium-ion batteries have better thermal stability, reduced fire risks, and improved resistance to over-discharge, making them inherently safer.
Strong Energy Density & Lifecycle: CATL’s next-generation sodium-ion batteries (Naxtra) are achieving energy densities up to 175 Wh/kg—comparable to some Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries—and promise up to 10,000+ cycles, offering a long, durable lifespan for EVs and energy storage.
These batteries are particularly suited for budget-friendly electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, and cold-climate applications.

I asked Google some slightly different questions, and got some wrong answers.

The pro-EV guys haven't mentioned one downside of sodium-ion batteries, the lower efficiency of the charge-discharge cycle. Haven't got the reference now, but I think 85-90%, versus 95% for lithium batteries. Um, maybe that is wrong. I asked Google:

Energy Efficiency (Round Trip): Sodium-ion batteries, in general, offer a high round-trip energy efficiency, with reports indicating up to 92% efficiency.

Another issue is high ambient temperatures. I don't have the figures for lithium batteries, but I recall they struggle, lose capacity, above 40 degrees C. CATLs sodium-ion, on the other hand, asking Google:

CATL's sodium-ion batteries, particularly the next-generation Naxtra series, exhibit exceptional high-temperature performance, reliably operating in environments up to +70°C. These batteries feature improved thermal stability, allowing for consistent power output and reduced reliance on intensive cooling systems compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Key high-temperature performance characteristics include:
Operating Range: Rated for operation between -40°C and +70°C, making them suitable for extreme climates.
Thermal Safety: The chemistry is designed to maintain structural stability at high temperatures, with Naxtra batteries passing rigorous safety certifications (GB 38031-2025).
Performance Stability: The batteries maintain high efficiency and, according to YouTube video, do not exhibit the same performance penalties found in conventional lithium-based chemistries in high heat.
Reduced Cooling Needs: Their robust nature at high temperatures may allow for simplified, lighter battery pack designs (less cooling infrastructure) in electric vehicles.

Google says this about lithium-iron batteries:

High-temperature operation (typically >40°C) in lithium-ion batteries boosts initial power output and reduces internal resistance but rapidly accelerates aging, resulting in significant capacity fade and shorter cycle life. Prolonged heat causes electrolyte decomposition, electrolyte-electrode interface instability, and severe degradation (e.g., 50% life loss at 45°C.

This is very interesting. A battery that works in extreme temperature ranges, won't explode, and will last for over 5 million kilometres, something to look forward to in EVs. Apparently, we will be seeing these EVs on the road in China very soon, Q2 2026.   

Tags: ethos