CATL Launches 'Naxtra': A Game-Changer in Sodium-Ion Battery Technology

Date: April 21, 2025
Author: Sana Ullah | Woxmax.com

Introduction

The global energy storage industry just took a major leap forward.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL)—the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer—has officially unveiled its sodium-ion battery brand, 'Naxtra'. The announcement was made on April 20, 2025, during a tech summit in China, drawing attention from automakers, renewable energy firms, and tech enthusiasts across the globe.

Let’s dive deep into what this means for the future of energy storage and electric mobility.

What is Naxtra?

Naxtra is CATL's newly launched sodium-ion battery brand, designed to supplement and potentially rival lithium-ion technology. The name "Naxtra" combines “Na” (the chemical symbol for sodium) and “extra,” signifying “extraordinary power at affordable cost.”

The brand will cater to:

• Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Renewable energy storage systems (ESS)

• Consumer electronics

• Grid-scale applications

Why Sodium-Ion Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries have long dominated the EV and energy storage markets, but they’re not without drawbacks:

• Cost: Lithium prices are volatile and relatively high.

• Resource Scarcity: Lithium and cobalt are limited and concentrated in certain regions.

• Environmental Impact: Mining lithium has raised sustainability concerns.

Sodium-ion batteries offer several advantages:

• Abundant Raw Materials: Sodium is far more abundant and widely available than lithium.

• Lower Cost: Reduced reliance on expensive materials like cobalt and lithium.

• Improved Low-Temperature Performance: Ideal for colder climates.

• Faster Charging Capabilities: Advanced designs allow rapid energy input.

CATL's Second-Generation Sodium-Ion Battery

Alongside the Naxtra brand launch, CATL introduced its second-generation sodium-ion battery, which boasts:

• 160 Wh/kg energy density (approaching lithium iron phosphate levels)

• Ultra-fast charging: 80% charge in under 15 minutes

• Excellent cycle life: Over 2,000 charging cycles

• Enhanced safety: Non-flammable electrolyte design

• Broad temperature adaptability: Performs well in temperatures as low as -20°C

These batteries are being positioned for use in both urban mobility solutions and stationary energy storage systems.

Mass Production Timeline

CATL announced that mass production of Naxtra sodium-ion batteries will begin in December 2025. Multiple manufacturing lines across CATL’s facilities in China and Europe are being retooled for this technology.

Key customers and partners in the early adopter program include:

• Leading Chinese EV manufacturers

• Grid energy storage providers

• Smart device manufacturers

Industry Implications

The introduction of Naxtra is a landmark moment for multiple sectors:

For the EV Industry:

• Provides a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

• Could bring down EV prices significantly, especially in entry-level models.

• Offers better performance in cold weather.

For Sustainability:

• Reduces environmental impact due to less intensive mining processes.

• Promotes circular economy with easy recyclability.

For Renewable Energy Storage:

• Ideal for solar and wind energy storage where cost and safety are critical.

• Stable and scalable for off-grid and rural applications.

What Experts Are Saying

Robin Zeng, CEO of CATL, said:

“Naxtra is not just a brand—it’s a symbol of our mission to revolutionize clean energy with sustainable and scalable solutions.”

Energy analyst Lin Tao noted:

“Sodium-ion batteries are no longer a lab experiment. CATL is pushing them into real-world applications with the scale and speed no one anticipated.”

Conclusion

With the launch of Naxtra, CATL is ushering in a new era of battery innovation—where affordability, safety, and sustainability take center stage. While lithium-ion is still dominant, sodium-ion is poised to carve out a significant space in the global energy transition.

As the world pushes for decarbonization and accessible clean energy, CATL’s Naxtra could very well be the next big thing in powering our future.