Chinese battery giant CATL has received official approval to use its new lithium-free sodium-ion battery in electric vehicles. On September 5, 2025, the company's "Naxtra" battery successfully passed China's national safety tests, earning the GB 38031-2025 certification for electric propulsion batteries. This approval follows a series of rigorous road tests conducted in collaboration with JAC Motors on the Sehol E10X model. With this milestone, the Naxtra becomes the first sodium-ion battery to be officially certified for commercial use in electric vehicles.
CATL first unveiled the Naxtra battery on April 21, 2025, during its annual conference, presenting it as the first sodium-ion battery platform ready for mass production. The battery boasts an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg and offers a driving range of up to 500 kilometers. Its rapid 5C fast-charging capability makes it ideal for daily urban use and in regions with harsh climates.
Notably, the battery operates efficiently in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C and is completely free of lithium, nickel, and cobalt. By using abundant and inexpensive sodium, it holds a significant advantage in both sustainability and cost, especially amid global challenges in rare metal supply chains.
From Testing to Commercial Production
CATL initiated a pilot program with JAC Motors to test the battery in the Sehol E10X. A limited fleet of these vehicles was deployed in select Chinese cities under closed trial programs. Following the official safety certification, the company is now preparing to launch large-scale production. This will make the Sehol E10X the first commercially available electric vehicle powered by a sodium-ion battery, marking an unprecedented technological milestone for the industry.
CATL Outpaces Competitors, Solidifies Leadership
While numerous companies worldwide—including Faradion in the UK, HiNa Battery in China, and TIAMAT in France—are developing sodium-ion batteries, CATL is the first and only one to have successfully passed all regulatory tests, secured official approvals, and commenced commercial production for an EV.
This achievement reinforces CATL's position as the world's largest electric battery manufacturer and demonstrates its capability to innovate and deliver sustainable solutions that move beyond conventional lithium-based technologies.
