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CATL's Sodium-Ion Batteries Hit the Road with Changan's Electric Vehicles

WireByte Staff · July 7, 2026

Chinese auto-maker Changan has unveiled its first mass-produced electric vehicle with a sodium-ion battery, developed by energy storage giant CATL. The Nevo AO6 model is expected to hit the market later this year, offering a potentially cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

Key points

  • Changan's Nevo AO6 electric vehicle features a sodium-ion battery developed by CATL, marking the first mass-produced EV with this technology.
  • Sodium-ion batteries are made from salt, a more abundant and cheaper material than lithium, which is a critical mineral in most rechargeable batteries.
  • CATL's sodium-ion batteries are expected to be more powerful and perform almost as well as lithium-ion batteries at a lower price.
  • The development of sodium-ion batteries could pave the way for other types of batteries, each with its own preferred chemistry, according to Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra at Queen Mary University of London.
  • Sodium-ion batteries could challenge lithium's dominance in the market, potentially leading to a 'battery revolution' with new types of batteries targeting specific segments.

CATL's Sodium-Ion Batteries Hit the Road with Changan's Electric Vehicles

Changan, a Chinese auto-maker, has unveiled its first mass-produced electric vehicle with a sodium-ion battery, developed by energy storage giant CATL. The Nevo AO6 model is expected to hit the market later this year, offering a potentially cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries are made from salt, a more abundant and cheaper material than lithium, which is a critical mineral in most rechargeable batteries. This could make them a more viable option for electric vehicles and grid storage, particularly in regions where lithium is scarce.

According to Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra at Queen Mary University of London, the development of sodium-ion batteries could pave the way for other types of batteries, each with its own preferred chemistry. This could lead to a 'battery revolution' with new types of batteries targeting specific segments.

The first sodium-ion battery was created by Ford in 1966, but CATL's technology is a significant improvement. The company's sodium-ion batteries are expected to be more powerful and perform almost as well as lithium-ion batteries at a lower price. This could make them a more attractive option for consumers and manufacturers alike.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, the development of new battery technologies is crucial. Sodium-ion batteries could be a game-changer in the industry, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. Only time will tell if they can live up to their promise, but one thing is certain - the battery revolution is underway.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.