CATL Introduces World’s First Mass-Produced Sodium-Ion Battery for Commercial Vehicles
Published: 23 Jan 2026
Author: Precedence Research
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has taken a major step toward redefining commercial electric mobility with the official launch of its Tianxing II light commercial vehicle battery series. The strongest part of the unveiling is the low-temperature sodium-ion battery version. According to CATL, it was the first sodium ion battery to leave mass production to be used in commercial vehicles. This advancement highlights further innovation in battery technology by CATL and its focus on diversification of battery chemistry beyond lithium to overcome cost, safety, and performance.
The centerpiece of the launch is a 45-kWh sodium-ion battery, specifically designed to fit small vans, micro-vans, and light trucks. The battery has a high energy density of 175 Wh/kg and a cycle life of more than 10,000 charge cycles. This makes it a new standard in the light commercial vehicle segment in terms of durability. CATL has also placed this battery as a practical solution to the fleet operators that need a reliable battery that has a long service life and is also capable of performing in a variety of operating conditions.
The outstanding low-temperature nature is one of the most defining benefits of the sodium-ion technology of CATL. The battery can store up to 90% of its full potential capacity in extreme cold up to -40 °C, which is far stronger than most traditional lithium-ion systems. More importantly to the commercial users, the battery can be charged instantly at -30 °C, even when it is fully frozen. This feature directly responds to one of the historic shortcomings of electric commercial vehicles operating in the northern latitudes.
The Tianxing II series is an all-around product offering aiming to fit a vast array of commercial applications. The other notable product in the series is the Long-range version, which sets a new standard in the industry with a maximum capacity of one pack of up to 253 kWh. This battery will provide intercity logistics and long-haul light commercial transportation with a maximum driving range of about 800 kilometers. Furthermore, with the Tianxing II series, CATL has not only expanded its technological portfolio but also reinforced its role as a key driver of the next phase of commercial vehicle electrification.