Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer CATL has unveiled a new brand for its sodium-ion batteries, dubbed “Naxtra”, which claims to be the world’s first mass produced sodium-ion battery.

The launch is the second-generation release of CATL’s existing Shenxing battery cell with an improved peak 12C charging rate, setting a new global record for super-fast charging technology.

This charging capacity means the cell could offer 520km of range after just a five minute charge.

This announcement comes just a month after the battery manufacturer’s biggest national rival BYD released its own flash-charging platform.

BYD’s new charging system claims to add just 470km of range to EV batteries after a five minute charge, advancing CATL to first place for fast-charging tech.

CATL was the first leading automaker to launch a sodium-ion battery cell in 2021, soon after which the company launched the first-generation of its Shenxing battery in 2023.

The company stated in a press release that sodium is used for its “inherent safety and abundant reserves” as well as reducing dependence on lithium resources. 

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