The Changan Nevo A06 is set to become the first mass-produced passenger EV powered by a sodium-ion battery. The vehicle is developed by Changan Automobile and uses battery technology supplied by CATL.
The sodium ion battery has been widely discussed in the industry, but has not previously been deployed at this scale in a passenger vehicle.
The Nevo A06 underwent winter testing in Inner Mongolia, where temperatures dropped far below typical EV operating conditions. According to the companies, the vehicle was able to charge normally at around -30 degrees Celsius and continued operating at temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius.
At -40 degrees Celsius, the battery retained more than 90% of its original capacity. This level of performance is difficult to achieve with lithium iron phosphate batteries commonly used in electric vehicles.
The initial battery pack has a capacity of 45 kilowatt hours and delivers a claimed driving range of just over 400 kilometers based on China’s CLTC testing cycle.
While the range is similar to entry-level EVs using lithium iron phosphate batteries, CATL said the sodium ion pack provides significantly better performance in cold weather.
The company said the battery can deliver several times more power than comparable lithium iron phosphate batteries at sub-zero temperatures. This helps maintain acceleration and cabin heating while reducing range loss.
Sodium-ion batteries do not use lithium. Sodium is more abundant, less expensive, and less exposed to supply chain disruptions.
CATL also said the sodium ion cells offer improved safety and are more resistant to thermal runaway. The company said the batteries have passed extreme abuse tests without catching fire.
CATL described the introduction of sodium ion batteries as the start of a dual chemistry phase in electric vehicles, where sodium ion and lithium ion batteries are used depending on climate, cost, and application.
The Changan Nevo A06 is expected to launch in China around mid 2026. CATL said sodium-ion battery packs are expected to expand across Changan’s broader vehicle lineup over time.
For now, the rollout is limited to China.