CATL sodium battery hits LFP cost parity
The gist
CATL said its second-generation Naxtra sodium-ion battery reached cost parity with LFP cells at about $65-70/kWh.
Cheaper sodium cells could loosen battery makers' dependence on lithium for storage and entry-level EVs.
How it unfolded
- 2024CATL first unveiled the Naxtra sodium battery in concept form.
- 2025LFP cells fell below $70/kWh at pack level, undercutting ternary lithium (NMC/NCA) by 25-30 percent, while system-level sodium-ion costs were around €120/kWh of capacity.
- Dec 10, 2025CATL's sodium-ion battery, with 15-minute charge times, was certified for use in China and slated to enter the market in 2026.
Key terms
- LFP
- A lithium-ion battery type using lithium iron phosphate as its cathode material, known for low cost, safety and long cycle life.
- sodium-ion
- A rechargeable battery that uses sodium ions as charge carriers instead of lithium.
- energy density
- The amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume.
Source: Wikipedia