According to Gasgoo, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (“CATL”), a leading player in the battery industry, recently announced its significant progress in the development of its second-generation sodium-ion battery. The company disclosed that the performance metrics of these batteries are now nearing those of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, signaling a promising future for large-scale adoption.
Second-Generation Sodium-Ion Battery: A Step Forward in Performance
CATL’s second-generation sodium-ion batteries show substantial improvements over the first generation, which was launched in 2021. These next-gen batteries are expected to offer enhanced performance, making them a viable alternative to LFP batteries. Sodium-ion batteries offer a key advantage in cost, as sodium is more abundant and less expensive than lithium. CATL believes that once sodium-ion batteries are adopted on a large scale, they could provide a cost-effective alternative to LFP batteries.
The first-generation sodium-ion batteries introduced by CATL were known for their high energy density, fast charging capabilities, and excellent thermal stability. Below are the key performance data for the first-generation sodium-ion battery:
- Energy Density: 160Wh/kg
- Charging Speed: Charges to 80% in just 15 minutes at room temperature
- Low-Temperature Performance: Retains more than 90% discharge capacity at -20°C
Growth in Battery Shipments: Shenxing and Qilin Batteries Leading the Way
CATL is experiencing rapid growth in its battery shipments, particularly with its Shenxing and Qilin battery lines. By 2025, the company expects these batteries to account for 60%-70% of its total LFP and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery shipments, a significant increase from 30%-40% in 2024.
Key shipment data:
- Expected Shipment Share (2025): 60%-70% of total LFP and NCM battery shipments
- Freevoy Battery Integration: Over 30 vehicle models have integrated the Freevoy hybrid vehicle battery since its launch in late 2024.
Expanding Production: A Global Footprint
CATL is actively expanding its production capabilities to meet the growing demand for batteries. In China, the company has several ongoing projects, including new battery plants in Ningde, Jining, Luoyang, and Beijing. Internationally, CATL is expanding its presence in Europe through its joint venture with Stellantis, with plants in Germany, Hungary, and Spain. Moreover, CATL is advancing a battery supply chain project in Indonesia, further solidifying its global manufacturing network.
Conclusion
Beyond electric vehicle batteries, CATL is positioning itself as a major player in the energy storage market. The company recognizes the growing global demand for energy storage, especially in data centers, which require large-scale storage capacity to meet their power needs. CATL’s energy storage solutions have already gained recognition for their safety and longevity. UAE Energy Storage Project reached a scale of 519GWh—this is just the beginning of CATL’s efforts in the energy storage sector. CATL’s products are recognized not only for their technical advantages but also for their ability to provide long-term, reliable performance, which has allowed CATL to maintain profitable margins.
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