CATL has begun installing frost-resistant sodium batteries for advanced Changan vehicles

New sodium‑ion batteries from CATL and Changan: how they are changing the game in cold regions

Traditional lithium‑ion (Li‑ion) batteries that use liquid electrolyte suffer greatly at low temperatures. In freezing weather their residual charge drops by almost half, and many models require preheating before charging – this complicates operating cars in cold regions.

CATL and Changan are already working on a solution

CATL has introduced a new generation of sodium‑ion (Na‑ion) batteries that retain up to 90 % of their charge at –40 °C and quickly recover it during fast charges. Optimal performance starts even at –30 °C, while ordinary Li‑ion batteries need heating.

In Inner Mongolia, known for its harsh frosts, CATL and Changan announced the first prototype electric vehicle with a Na‑ion battery. Series production is planned to start by mid‑year. The entire Changan fleet – Avatr, Deepal, Qiyuan and UNI – will be equipped with Naxtra family batteries.

Key metrics

- Energy density: 175 kWh/kg (similar to LFP batteries).

- Capacity: 45 kWh, which provides up to 400 km on the CLTC cycle even in the cold.

- Further potential: as components improve, CATL plans to increase range to 500–600 km, and hybrids with Naxtra can travel 300–400 km solely on electric drive.

Advantages of Na‑ion batteries

1. High power at low temperatures: at –30 °C they deliver three times the power of LFP batteries.

2. Stability at high temperatures: even at 50 °C they provide reliable power to the drivetrain.

3. Mechanical strength: tests have shown resilience to damage – in a crash the battery will behave safely.

Integration with infrastructure

Naxtra batteries are fully compatible with the existing charging network, including Choco‑Swap branded stations. This allows owners of older models to test the new battery and experience its benefits in practice.

Thus, CATL’s Na‑ion batteries promise significant improvement in the operating characteristics of electric vehicles in cold climates while maintaining high capacity and safety.