The automotive industry is on the cusp of a significant shift as Chinese battery giant CATL and automaker Changan Automobile prepare to launch the world’s first mass-produced passenger vehicle powered by a sodium-ion battery. The Changan Nevo A06, also known as the Qiyuan A06, is slated to hit roads in mid-2026, marking a potential turning point in electric vehicle technology and a move towards a “dual chemistry era,” according to CATL.
This development addresses key limitations of current EV battery technology, particularly concerning range performance in cold weather and safety concerns. Traditional lithium-ion batteries experience a significant drop in capacity and efficiency in sub-zero temperatures. The Nevo A06, however, demonstrates remarkable resilience, retaining 90% of its usable capacity at -40°C (-40°F) – a substantial improvement over the average 80% retention seen in lithium-ion batteries under similar conditions. Sodium-ion batteries are reported to carry no risk of thermal runaway, enhancing overall vehicle safety.
The Nevo A06 will be equipped with a 45 kWh CATL Naxtra sodium-ion battery pack, delivering an estimated range of 400 kilometers (249 miles) on the China Light-Duty Test Cycle (CLTC). While this range is currently less than some lithium-ion powered EVs, CATL anticipates improvements, projecting ranges of 500-600 km (310-372 mi) in future iterations of the technology. The battery’s energy density is currently comparable to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, reaching up to 175 Wh/kg.
The significance of this launch extends beyond a single vehicle model. CATL plans to roll out the Naxtra battery technology across Changan’s broader portfolio, including EVs from Avatr, Deepal, Qiyuan, and Uni. This widespread adoption signals a strategic move towards diversifying battery chemistry options and reducing reliance on lithium, a resource facing increasing supply chain constraints and price volatility.
The core advantage of sodium-ion batteries lies in the abundance and lower cost of sodium compared to lithium. Sodium is significantly more readily available, potentially mitigating supply chain risks and lowering battery production costs. This cost reduction could translate to more affordable EVs for consumers, accelerating the transition to electric mobility. The battery’s robust performance in extreme temperatures also opens up opportunities for EV adoption in colder climates where lithium-ion batteries have historically struggled.
CATL’s Naxtra battery utilizes a third-generation Cell-to-Pack (CTP) system integration technology, optimizing space utilization and reducing structural weight. This design contributes to the battery’s overall efficiency, and performance. Rigorous winter testing conducted in Yakeshi, China, has confirmed the battery’s ability to meet user requirements for range, low-temperature resilience, safety, and discharge capabilities. Specifically, the discharge power at -30°C is nearly three times higher than comparable LFP models.
The introduction of the Nevo A06 represents a major step in the industry’s transition towards a “dual-chemistry ecosystem,” where sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries complement each other. This approach allows manufacturers to tailor battery technology to specific vehicle applications and customer needs. For example, sodium-ion batteries may be particularly well-suited for vehicles operating in colder regions or requiring enhanced safety features, while lithium-ion batteries could continue to serve applications demanding higher energy density and longer ranges.
While the initial range of the Nevo A06 is modest compared to some existing EVs, the long-term implications of sodium-ion battery technology are substantial. The combination of lower costs, improved safety, and enhanced cold-weather performance positions sodium-ion batteries as a viable alternative to lithium-ion, potentially reshaping the EV landscape and accelerating the global adoption of electric vehicles. The success of the Nevo A06 will be closely watched as a bellwether for the future of this emerging battery technology.
