Summary Changan plans to adopt CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion batteries for future EVs, emphasizing enhanced safety, durability, and reliable cold-weather performance. Delivering up to 175Wh/kg, the technology achieves high energy density while reducing reliance on scarce materials. The batteries are being validated under extreme conditions (below -40°C) and will be complemented by Changan’s SDA Intelligence system to bolster vehicle stability and safety, aligning with the needs of UK and Northern European drivers.
Sodium-ion batteries are increasingly seen as a complementary alternative to traditional lithium-ion systems. They offer improved thermal stability, faster charging potential, and reduced reliance on scarce raw materials, making them not only a practical solution for everyday drivers but also a more sustainable option for the automotive industry over the long term. For Changan, adopting this technology aligns with broader goals of innovation, environmental responsibility, and vehicle performance enhancement.
The batteries are currently undergoing validation testing under extreme conditions, including temperatures below -40°C. This rigorous testing ensures that the batteries can perform reliably in the harshest climates, an essential consideration for markets such as the UK and Northern Europe, where low temperatures can negatively affect battery performance.
The announcement was made during the Changan SDA Intelligence Update & Global Launch of Sodium-Ion Battery Strategy. The event also highlighted SDA Intelligence, a proactive, AI-driven system designed to enhance vehicle stabilisation, further emphasising Changan's focus on safety and smart technology integration.
Nic Thomas, managing director of Changan UK, said: "The adoption of CATL's Naxtra sodium-ion battery technology is another positive step in realising innovation that genuinely matters to UK customers.
"It offers the practical advantages British drivers value most -- reliable performance in cold conditions, rapid charging and inherent safety for everyday use.
"Backed by Changan's global testing programme and SDA Intelligence, we're focused on ensuring that future vehicles continue to deliver confidence on UK roads."
Commonly Asked Questions
Question: What exactly did Changan announce about its future EV batteries? Short answer: Changan confirmed it will adopt CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion batteries in future EVs, prioritizing enhanced safety, durability, and dependable low-temperature performance. The batteries deliver up to 175 Wh/kg—among the highest-density mass-produced sodium-ion cells—and are being validated under extreme conditions below -40°C. The rollout will be complemented by Changan’s SDA Intelligence system to further strengthen vehicle stability and safety.
Question: Why is the Naxtra sodium-ion technology significant compared with traditional lithium-ion batteries? Short answer: It’s positioned as a complementary alternative to lithium-ion, offering improved thermal stability, faster charging potential, and reduced reliance on scarce raw materials. Naxtra couples these advantages with high energy density (up to 175 Wh/kg) and inherent safety and resilience, marking a meaningful step forward in practical, sustainable EV battery technology.
Question: What benefits should UK and Northern European drivers expect? Short answer: The batteries are being tested to perform reliably in very cold conditions (below -40°C), directly addressing the low-temperature challenges common in these regions. Changan highlights reliable cold-weather performance, rapid charging, and inherent safety for everyday use—benefits supported by global testing and reinforced by the SDA Intelligence system for added vehicle stability and confidence.
Question: What is SDA Intelligence, and how does it support this battery strategy? Short answer: SDA Intelligence is a proactive, AI-driven system designed to enhance vehicle stabilization and safety. Announced alongside the sodium-ion strategy, it complements the new batteries by improving overall control and safety, helping ensure consistent, confident driving in varied and challenging conditions.
Question: When will vehicles with these sodium-ion batteries be available? Short answer: A specific timeline wasn’t provided. The batteries are currently undergoing validation testing, and Changan has stated they will feature in future EVs, signaling a firm commitment without a disclosed market release date.
