Sodium-ion EV battery technology in China is moving closer to mass production. BAIC Group has introduced a new prototype that combines strong range, rapid charging, and stable performance in extreme temperatures. Moreover, the update shows how quickly sodium-ion batteries are entering the passenger EV market. After CATL and Changan launched the first mass-produced EV with a Sodium-ion Battery, BAIC has now added fresh momentum to the segment.
Sodium-ion EV battery in China reaches a new milestone
BAIC Group shared the latest progress through its R&D division. The company completed its first sodium-ion battery prototype and also established a mass-production method for prismatic battery cells. As a result, BAIC moved from lab development toward practical vehicle use.
The new battery joins BAIC’s Aurora battery lineup. This series already includes Lithium-ion and solid-state battery options. Now, sodium-ion technology has become a key part of BAIC’s battery strategy. That matters because automakers want battery choices that support efficiency, safety, and lower production costs.
BAIC said its sodium-ion battery pack uses prismatic cells. The pack delivers an energy density of more than 170 Wh/kg. That figure places it among the strongest sodium-ion battery results announced for passenger EVs. In comparison, CATL said its Naxtra sodium-ion battery reaches up to 175 Wh/kg. Therefore, BAIC’s result shows that major Chinese battery and auto companies are advancing at a similar pace.
Sodium-ion EV battery in China offers 450 km range
Range remains one of the most important measures for any EV battery. BAIC said its sodium-ion EV battery can support a CLTC driving range of 450 km, or about 280 miles. That number stands out for a sodium-ion passenger EV battery. It also moves the technology closer to mainstream use in everyday driving.
Earlier this year, CATL showed its sodium-ion battery in the Changan Nevo A06. That model uses a 45-kWh battery pack and delivers up to 400 km, or 248 miles, under CLTC conditions. CATL also said the technology could reach around 500 km to 600 km, or 310 to 372 miles, as development continues. Consequently, the latest BAIC update strengthens the view that sodium-ion EVs can offer practical range for many drivers.
Sodium-ion EV battery in China supports 4C fast charging
Charging speed is another major advantage in BAIC’s announcement. The company said the sodium-ion battery supports 4C ultra-fast charging. It can fully recharge in about 11 minutes. That is a notable result for an EV battery aimed at passenger vehicles. Faster charging improves convenience and helps narrow the gap between charging stops and traditional refueling times.
In addition, the battery maintains stable operation across a very wide temperature range. BAIC said the pack works from -40°C to 60°C, or -40°F to 140°F. The company also said the battery keeps more than 92% of its energy retention at -20°C, or -4°F. These figures suggest that the battery can deliver dependable performance in both very cold and very hot climates.
Why the sodium-ion EV battery in China matters
Sodium-ion chemistry is gaining attention because sodium is abundant and cost-effective. For automakers and battery makers, that opens the door to a battery supply chain with more flexibility. At the same time, sodium-ion batteries continue to improve in energy density, charging speed, and temperature performance.
CATL’s chief technology officer, Gao Huan, said sodium-ion technology can bring greater resilience, a wider operating temperature range, and more sustainable growth to electrification. That view aligns with the direction of the market. Companies such as CATL, BYD, and BAIC are all investing in sodium-ion battery development. Together, they are pushing the technology from pilot programs toward large-scale commercialization.
Industry growth figures also underline the momentum. Global sodium-ion battery shipments reached 9 GWh last year. That marked a 150% increase from 2024. Over the next four years, analysts expect shipments to rise above 1,000 GWh. Because of that growth, sodium-ion batteries are becoming an important part of the broader EV battery landscape.
Sodium-ion EV battery in China signals faster market adoption
BAIC’s latest prototype adds another strong data point for sodium-ion EV battery development in China. The company combines over 170 Wh/kg energy density, 450 km of CLTC range, and 4C charging in 11 minutes. It also delivers strong low-temperature retention and wide operating tolerance. Altogether, these features make sodium-ion batteries more attractive for future passenger EVs.
As more automakers bring sodium-ion battery packs into production, the segment is likely to expand quickly. China remains at the center of that shift. With BAIC, CATL, and Changan all moving forward, sodium-ion EV battery technology now looks ready for a larger role in the next wave of Electric Vehicles.
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