KATHMANDU: Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has announced plans to begin mass production of sodium-ion batteries in 2026. The company says the technology will help reduce battery costs and lessen reliance on lithium-based raw materials.
Speaking at the 2026 Equipment Powerhouse Forum, CATL Chief Scientist Wu Kai said major production challenges have been resolved, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing.
The new batteries will be used in passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, battery-swapping networks, and energy storage systems. CATL is also developing higher-density versions capable of delivering up to 600 km of driving range on a single charge.
The company recently secured a 60 GWh sodium-ion battery supply contract, reported to be the largest such order globally. CATL believes sodium-ion technology can become a cost-effective alternative to entry-level LFP battery systems.
Alongside sodium-ion batteries, CATL is continuing research on lithium-air battery technology, which it sees as a long-term solution for significantly higher energy density.
CATL remains China’s largest EV battery supplier. In April 2026, the company installed 29.06 GWh of batteries, accounting for 46.6 percent of the country’s EV battery market.
