CATL and Changan Introduce Frost-Resistant Sodium Batteries in Pre-Production EVs

• February 7, 2026

The electric vehicle industry faces ongoing challenges related to battery performance in cold climates, where traditional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes can suffer significant drops in usable charge. To address these limitations, Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) and automaker Changan have begun integrating a new generation of frost-resistant sodium batteries into pre-production electric vehicles.

Advancing Battery Reliability in Low Temperatures

Traditional lithium-ion batteries are known to lose up to half of their residual charge when exposed to subzero temperatures. This degradation severely impacts the usability and driving range of electric vehicles during winter months, raising concerns among consumers in colder regions. The innovative sodium-based battery technology introduced by CATL offers enhanced stability and longevity under freezing conditions, aiming to maintain higher charge retention compared to conventional lithium-ion chemistries.

Changan’s adoption of these frost-resistant sodium batteries marks an important development in the company’s electrification strategy. The batteries are being fitted into vehicles that are nearing mass production, indicating a step closer to market availability with improved cold-weather operability. This could potentially expand the appeal of electric vehicles to customers residing in regions with harsh winter climates.

Unlike lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes prone to performance decline when cold, sodium batteries benefit from chemical properties that allow them to function more efficiently at low temperatures. This addresses one of the key pain points associated with electric vehicle adoption and operation in winter, namely reduced driving range and battery efficiency.

While details regarding the full technical specifications, production timelines, or pricing were not disclosed, this collaboration between CATL and Changan highlights a broader industry trend toward next-generation battery chemistries designed to overcome environmental hurdles. Greater battery resilience against temperature extremes is a crucial factor in improving the practicality and user experience of electric vehicles worldwide.

As the global electric vehicle market continues to evolve, innovations like frost-resistant sodium batteries could play a significant role in enabling reliable transportation in diverse climate zones. The ongoing testing and integration of these new batteries into near-production models may pave the way for wider adoption and further advancements in EV battery systems.

CATL and Changan begin installing frost-resistant sodium batteries in pre-production EVs to improve cold-weather performance over traditional lithium-ion cells.