Chinese CATL unveils game-changing EV batteries, outpacing domestic rival BYD

Chinese battery titan CATL unveiled two next-generation electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies on Monday at the Shanghai Motor Show, including a sodium-ion battery and a dual battery system designed to enhance EV safety and efficiency.

The fast-charging Shenxing battery can recover 520 kilometers (323 miles) of range in only five minutes, surpassing the performance of BYD’s latest batteries introduced in March. The Shenxing battery is set to be deployed in 67 vehicle models this year from Chinese brands including Zeekr, Nio, and Avatr.

Meanwhile, CATL’s new sodium-ion battery is scheduled to begin production in June under the company’s Naxtra brand, starting with starter batteries for heavy-duty vehicles. Larger batteries for EVs and hybrid vehicles will follow in December.

These batteries are especially suited for cold-weather performance and offer a driving range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), according to the company.

The sodium-ion battery, which CATL claims will “restructure the whole industry,” is scheduled to enter mass production by the end of 2025. The company will begin manufacturing small starter batteries for heavy-duty vehicles under its Naxtra brand in June, with larger versions for electric and hybrid cars expected to follow in December.

Chinese CATL eyes half the EV market despite Trump tariffs

CATL CEO Robin Zeng stated that sodium-ion batteries, long considered inferior to lithium-ion cells, have now reached commercial viability.

He projected that this technology could replace up to half of the market currently served by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, due in part to the lower costs associated with sodium-based production.

CATL is further expanding its efforts with battery-swapping systems, working closely with EV brands like Nio to accelerate the rollout of its innovations, Zeng added.

In addition to its core launches, CATL showcased a new dual battery system designed for autonomous vehicles. Developed over five years, the dual configuration enhances safety by maintaining operation if one battery fails.

While a commercial rollout date has yet to be announced, one car manufacturer is already incorporating the system into its design for a self-driving model.

Despite these innovations, CATL faces mounting geopolitical headwinds as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese automotive and parts imports, potentially increasing costs for vehicles equipped with CATL technologies.

The company declined to comment on the tariff situation, which has escalated to as high as 145% amid a series of retaliatory measures.

Moreover, the U.S. Department of Defense has listed CATL among companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military—an accusation the company firmly denies.

CATL currently supplies more than one-third of all EV batteries sold globally and maintains partnerships with prominent automakers such as Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen.