Sodium-Ion Battery That Does Not Catch Fire: A New Chapter for Electric and Hybrid Cars
Chinese automotive engineers from Changan and CATL have announced the development of a new-generation sodium-ion battery that promises a step change in safety, cold-weather performance, and long-term durability. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, the new sodium-ion chemistry is inherently resistant to thermal runaway, meaning it does not ignite even under severe mechanical damage.
For the global EV and hybrid market, this matters more than incremental range gains. Battery fires remain one of the biggest psychological and regulatory barriers to mass EV adoption. A battery that fundamentally does not burn changes the conversation around safety, insurance, underground parking access, and operation in extreme climates.
Fire Safety and Structural Stability Without Compromise
One of the key advantages of sodium-ion batteries is their thermal stability. The chemical structure of sodium-based cells is far less prone to uncontrolled reactions when punctured, crushed, or overheated. According to CATL engineers, the new battery can withstand severe deformation without triggering combustion.
This is particularly important for urban use, taxis, rental fleets, and shared mobility services, where vehicles operate almost continuously and face higher risks of minor accidents. For regions with strict fire regulations in parking facilities, such as underground garages in Europe and the Middle East, non-flammable batteries could become a decisive advantage.
Cold Climate Performance Down to −50°C
Lithium-ion batteries begin to lose capacity and power output at around −20°C, which limits EV usability in northern regions. The sodium-ion battery developed by CATL and Changan operates reliably at temperatures as low as −40°C and can still deliver energy at −50°C.
This opens new markets where EV adoption has been slow due to climate constraints. Cold starts, regenerative braking efficiency, and stable charging behavior at low temperatures make sodium-ion batteries especially attractive for hybrid vehicles used year-round.
Technical Characteristics of the New Sodium-Ion Battery
At the current stage of development, the battery achieves an energy density of approximately 175 Wh/kg. While this is lower than the most advanced lithium-ion packs, the trade-off comes with major gains in safety, cost stability, and temperature resistance.
- Key technical parameters include
Energy density: ~175 Wh/kg
Operating temperature range: from −40°C to +60°C
Energy output capability: down to −50°C
Fire and thermal runaway resistance: structurally non-flammable
Projected hybrid vehicle range: up to 400 km
CATL has already stated that further improvements in energy density are planned, which could narrow the gap with lithium-ion solutions over time.
First Production Model and Market Outlook
The first vehicle to receive the new sodium-ion battery will be the crossover Nevo Q05. While details about international market availability are still unclear, the model is positioned as a mass-market hybrid, making it an ideal test platform for the technology.
CATL also confirmed that sodium-ion batteries will be produced alongside conventional lithium-ion packs. Initially, lithium-ion cells will remain the standard for high-volume production, while sodium-ion batteries undergo extensive validation and long-term testing in real-world conditions.
Tianxing II: Sodium-Ion Goes Mass Production
Earlier this year, CATL unveiled the Tianxing II sodium-ion battery designed for light commercial vehicles. According to the manufacturer, this is the first sodium-ion battery in true mass production within the automotive industry.
The Tianxing II battery emphasizes durability and extreme temperature tolerance, making it suitable for delivery vans, logistics fleets, and municipal vehicles. Its success in commercial applications could accelerate the transition of sodium-ion technology into passenger cars.
Why Sodium-Ion Matters for the Future of EVs and Hybrids
Beyond safety and climate performance, sodium-ion batteries reduce dependency on lithium, a resource with volatile pricing and concentrated global supply chains. Sodium is abundant, widely available, and easier to source sustainably, which could stabilize battery costs over the long term.
For car manufacturers, this means better cost forecasting and reduced exposure to raw material shortages. For consumers, it could translate into more affordable hybrids and EVs with fewer ownership risks.
Implications for Car Rental and Mobility Services
From a car rental perspective, especially in regions like the UAE where temperature extremes are common, battery stability is critical. While sodium-ion batteries are currently focused on cold-weather performance, their resistance to thermal runaway also makes them attractive for hot climates, where battery cooling systems are under constant stress.
As sodium-ion technology matures, it could become a preferred solution for rental fleets, offering lower fire risk, predictable degradation, and improved insurance terms.
The sodium-ion battery developed by Changan and CATL represents more than just an alternative chemistry. Its non-flammable nature, extreme temperature tolerance, and improving energy density position it as a serious contender for the next phase of electrified mobility. While lithium-ion batteries will remain dominant in the short term, sodium-ion solutions are rapidly moving from experimental labs to production vehicles, signaling a broader transformation of the EV landscape.
