CATL Debuts Battery Storage System Using New Sodium Technology

June 23, 2026 - 11:55

Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. has unveiled a new energy storage system built around sodium-ion technology. The company announced that it expects to begin delivering the system to customers in China as early as September.

The move marks a significant step in the commercial rollout of sodium batteries, which have drawn attention as a cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium-based storage. Sodium is far more plentiful than lithium, and its extraction and processing carry fewer environmental and geopolitical risks. CATL's new system is designed for grid-scale storage, helping utilities and industrial users balance power supply and demand.

CATL has been a dominant player in the global lithium battery market, but it has invested heavily in sodium technology as a way to diversify its portfolio and reduce dependence on lithium supply chains. The company first demonstrated a sodium battery prototype in 2021 and has since worked to improve its energy density and cycle life. The new storage system is expected to compete with lithium iron phosphate batteries in cost and performance for stationary storage applications.

Industry analysts note that sodium batteries typically offer lower energy density than lithium, which makes them less suitable for electric vehicles but ideal for large, fixed installations where weight and space are less critical. CATL's announcement suggests the technology has reached a point where it can be deployed at scale, potentially easing pressure on lithium supplies as global demand for energy storage continues to surge.

The company did not disclose pricing or specific capacity figures for the new system, but it confirmed that initial deliveries will focus on the Chinese market.