Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) is set to expand its sodium-ion battery technology into the passenger vehicle segment, marking a significant milestone in the commercialization of an alternative battery chemistry, according to a report by Chinese media.

According to Cailian Press's report published on January 30, 2026, multiple independent sources confirmed that CATL's sodium-ion battery brand "Natrium" will undergo public winter testing in passenger vehicles for the first time.

The testing program will initially involve Changan Oushang models, with vehicles from GAC Group and JAC Motors expected to follow suit, sources familiar with the matter told the publication. This development comes after CATL successfully deployed its sodium-ion batteries in commercial vehicles earlier this year. On January 22, the company officially launched its Skyline II light commercial vehicle solution featuring a 45kWh sodium-ion battery pack capable of operating in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

The announcement triggered a 3.32% surge in China's sodium-ion battery sector index the following day, reaching its highest level since May 2021. CATL first unveiled its sodium-ion battery technology in July 2021, catalyzing industry interest in the alternative chemistry as lithium carbonate prices soared from RMB 50,000 per ton (US$6,900). In 2025, the company formally launched its "Natrium" battery brand and announced plans for large-scale sodium battery deployment across battery-swapping, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage sectors in 2026.

Despite the momentum, lithium-ion batteries remain dominant in China's electric vehicle market. Data from the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance shows that in 2025, domestic power battery installations reached 769.7GWh, with lithium iron phosphate batteries accounting for 81.2% and ternary lithium batteries representing 18.7% of total installations.

CATL Chief Technology Officer Gao Huan emphasized the technology's advantages on January 22, noting that sodium-ion batteries retain over 92% of their energy capacity at minus 20 degrees Celsius, compared to approximately 80% for lithium batteries. The company aims to match lithium iron phosphate battery energy density within three years and capture a portion of the lithium battery market in customized applications.

Morgan Stanley projects that sodium-ion battery prices could fall more than 30% below lithium iron phosphate batteries once production capacity reaches 100GWh. Industry data suggests sodium-ion battery shipments will reach approximately 20GWh in 2025 and exceed 200GWh by 2030. Industry observers anticipate CATL's passenger vehicle deployment will initially focus on battery-swapping applications to reduce consumer costs and enhance user experience before broader market adoption.