A cheaper sodium battery for electric vehicles that retains capacity even at -40°C!

Promising a lifespan of up to 10,000 charge cycles, 90% capacity retention at -40°C, and the ability to charge from 30% to 80% in 10 minutes, this sodium battery is both cost-effective and enables the production of electric vehicles that can fast-charge in cold conditions.

Set to hit the market in December 2025, this new sodium-ion cell will also be used in CATL’s Freevoy battery packs, which combine two different cell chemistries. For instance, LFP and sodium-ion or NCM and sodium-ion cells will be used together, with power-focused (NCM, LFP) cells powering the motor while sodium-ion cells are prioritized during charging. This combines the advantages of both cell chemistries in a single battery pack.

It’s stated that automakers can store 75 kWh of energy in their vehicles using a hybrid battery pack with LFP and sodium-ion cells.