KATHMANDU: Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co, Limited (CATL) has launched Naxtra, a sodium-ion battery brand, to deliver safer, more cost-effective alternatives for electric vehicles (EVs). Naxtra will go into mass production in December.
According to the American Physical Society, sodium is 1,000 times more abundant than lithium, and its extraction has a lower environmental impact.
With raw materials available in abundance, sodium-ion batteries are more affordable, offer enhanced safety and perform reliably in cold weather. This makes sodium-ion batteries ideal for diverse regions.
CATL has claimed that Naxtra battery achieves an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, bringing it close to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in terms of performance. CATL founder, Robin Zeng, has claimed that sodium-ion batteries could capture up to 50% of the market of LFP – a popular choice of EV batteries.
The company also introduced the second-generation Shenxing fast-charging battery, which is capable of delivering a driving range of 520 km with just a five-minute charge and reaches 80% capacity in 15 minutes. Its cold-weather efficiency makes it ideal for colder climates.
Over 67 new EV models are expected to feature Shenxing batteries in 2025. CATL, however, has not specified whether these will use the first or second-generation version.
Another CATL innovation is the Freevoy Dual Power Battery which offers a range of more than 1,500 km on a single charge. Inspired by dual-engine systems in aircraft, this battery design enhances safety with self-generating negative electrodes, reducing reliance on traditional materials like graphite.
CATL has claimed that the Naxtra sodium-ion battery has undergone rigorous testing, operating at temperatures as low as -40°C and charging from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes. It has also passed safety tests, including puncture and saw-cut assessments, without fire or explosion risks.
CATL currently powers over 18 million vehicles across 66 countries and continues to prioritize research and innovation despite market challenges.
These developments hold special significance for countries like Nepal, where the EV market is steadily expanding. Affordable, cold-resistant technologies like Naxtra could further accelerate EV adoption in Nepal.
