CATL Debuts First Mass-Produced Sodium-Ion Battery for Light Commercial Vehicles

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has launched its first mass-produced sodium-ion battery pack, tailored for light commercial vehicles. The new 45 kWh sodium-ion battery, part of CATL’s Tectrans II series, is aimed at small vans, micro-trucks, and light-duty use in extremely cold regions.

Designed to perform in severe winter environments, the sodium-ion pack can be charged at ambient temperatures as low as –30 °C and maintains 90% of its usable capacity at –40 °C, according to CATL. This robust cold-weather capability is intended to support reliable fleet operations and battery-swapping stations in freezing climates where traditional lithium-ion batteries often face challenges.

The Tectrans II series includes multiple configurations to meet various commercial needs. One variant enables ultra-fast charging in cold conditions, reaching a 20%–80% state of charge within 30 minutes at –15 °C. Another high-temperature rapid-charge version can replenish 60% range in 18 minutes and withstand up to 5,000 cycles at 45 °C. For extended driving requirements, CATL also offers a long-range pack with a capacity of up to 253 kWh, enabling over 800 kilometers on a single charge.

Furthermore, the series includes battery-swap compatible modules in three capacities: 42 kWh, 56 kWh, and 81 kWh. These swappable units are designed to simplify charging infrastructure for logistics and commercial fleet operators, minimizing downtime and supporting continuous vehicle operation.

During a December supplier conference in Ningde, Fujian, CATL emphasized that sodium-ion and lithium-ion technologies will coexist in a “dual-star” ecosystem. The company expects sodium-ion batteries to see widespread adoption across battery-swapping networks, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and energy storage systems throughout 2026.