Forget solid-state batteries, the future is sodium-ion and lithium-air cells according to CATL, the world's largest battery maker that supplies Tesla, Toyota

The world’s largest battery maker is forging ahead with a game-changing new technology.

China’s CATL, which makes the lion’s share of electric vehicle batteries for the world’s carmakers, will start mass producing sodium-ion batteries this year, according to Chinese reports.

Sodium-ion batteries have the potential to make electric cars even cheaper. They do away with pricey lithium and use sodium to hold charge instead.

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Major battery breakthrough confirmed
Forget solid-state batteries, this could be the real electric car breakthrough to push EVs like 2026 BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Elexio and Kia EV5 to the next level
New cut-price battery could be a game changer: Electric car battery giant CATL that supplies brands such BMW, Hyundai, Tesla, Xpeng and others working on new sodium-ion battery ideal for small cars

Sodium is cheap and plentiful, which reduces supply chain constraints associated with mining and refining lithium.

Sodium-ion batteries are claimed to be less fire prone than conventional lithium-ion batteries, and they perform better at extreme low temperatures with less energy loss than other cell chemistries.

The one drawback is they are less energy dense than conventional batteries, but recent advancements have brought them close to the Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) cells popularised by BYD.

CATL is preparing a series of these new batteries specifically for electric vehicles, as well as grid level storage.

CATL sodium-ion battery pack

The company is reportedly aiming to have sodium-ion batteries that can deliver a driving range of up to 600km.

CATL’s recent announcement follows news of sodium-ion cells being developed by Chinese brand BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation).

The company claims its latest sodium-ion battery can be fully charged in just 11 minutes, and recent tests showed it can absorb 200 per cent of its capacity without an increased risk of fire or explosion.

BAIC does not currently sell vehicles in Australia directly, but the recently launched Hyundai Elexio was developed and built in partnership with BAIC via a joint venture called Beijing Hyundai.

The other game-changing battery tech CATL is working on is called lithium-air batteries.

A lithium-air battery uses lithium as the anode and oxygen from the air as a cathode. This means the lithium metal reacts with the oxygen gas to produce electricity. The result is a smaller and lighter battery because it doesn't need a heavy metal cathode, they are also claimed to be extremely energy dense.

If this sounds too good to be true, then you’re right. There are numerous safety production and safety challenges that means there is no timeline on when or if these batteries will become a reality.