Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has officially unveiled its Tianxing II series of batteries for light commercial vehicles. The highlight of the presentation was the low-temperature version, heralding the industry’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery. This sodium-ion battery, with a capacity of 45 kWh, boasts an energy density of 175 Wh/kg and a lifespan exceeding 10,000 cycles. It is the first in the world to earn certification under the new national standard GB 38031-2025.
Compared to lithium-ion batteries, this one demonstrates exceptional resistance to low temperatures. Even under extreme conditions as low as -40°C, the battery retains 90% of its usable capacity. Additionally, it allows for immediate charging even when fully frozen at -30°C, eliminating issues faced by commercial vehicles in cold regions during winter. Sodium, found in the Earth’s crust over 1,000 times more frequently than lithium, costs only 1/20 of the expense of extracting lithium. This cost advantage is expected to reduce battery prices and enhance the economic feasibility of light commercial electric vehicles in the long term.
Amid recent announcements, there is a growing recognition of the sustainable potential of CATL’s sodium-ion batteries, given sodium’s abundance as a resource. The rollout of these batteries aligns with the increased demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to lithium-ion solutions and meets sustainability goals consistent with international standards.
