CATL and Sinopec join forces as multi-power EV era accelerates

Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has unveiled three groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies that it says will usher in a “multi-power era” for the global energy and mobility sector. Launched on 21 April 2025 at the company’s inaugural Super Tech Day, the innovations include the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery, a new dual-power battery architecture, and the second-generation Shenxing superfast charging battery.

The Naxtra Battery marks a significant advancement in sodium-ion technology. Designed for both passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks, it operates reliably across extreme temperatures from -40°C to +70°C. The passenger EV version retains 90% usable power even at -40°C and offers a range of up to 500 kilometres. With an energy density of 175Wh/kg—comparable to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries—and a cycle life exceeding 10,000, Naxtra offers a durable and cost-effective solution for electrified transport.

A separate 24V version for commercial trucks delivers over eight years of service life and reduces lifecycle costs by 61% compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. It enables deep discharge, instant cold-weather starting, and even retains functionality after a year of disuse—benefits that make it particularly suited to commercial fleet operations.

CATL also introduced its Freevoy Dual-Power Battery, featuring a unique cross-chemistry design with two independent energy zones. Supporting dual voltage, structure, and thermal safety functions, the system delivers power reliability critical for autonomous driving. The battery is engineered for Level 3 and Level 4 automation, which rely on consistent, high-output power for sensors, computing systems, and safety redundancies. Level 3 autonomy permits hands-off driving in specific conditions with human fallback, while Level 4 enables full driverless operation in controlled zones.

To meet these demands, Freevoy incorporates self-forming anode technology that increases volumetric energy density by 60% and gravimetric energy density by 50%. Compatible with both LFP and NCM chemistries, it allows for longer range, greater flexibility, and safer performance. Three configurations were showcased: a sodium-LFP option optimised for cold weather, an LFP-LFP model with up to 1,000 km range, and an NCM-based system exceeding 1,500 km per charge.

CATL’s innovations are not limited to passenger EVs. The dual-power architecture is also intended for broader deployment across electric buses, heavy-duty trucks, aviation, maritime, and industrial applications, accelerating the shift to renewable energy.

Complementing these developments, CATL launched the second-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery, boasting a record 12C peak charging rate and an 800 km range. With 1.3 MW peak charging power, the battery delivers 2.5 km of range per second of charging. Even in -10°C conditions, it can charge from 5% to 80% in just 15 minutes while maintaining an output of 830 kW during acceleration.

To support widespread EV adoption, CATL recently signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Sinopec, one of China’s largest state-owned energy enterprises and the world’s biggest oil refiner. With an extensive network of more than 30,000 service stations across China, Sinopec plays a critical role in national mobility and energy supply.

The partnership aims to build a nationwide battery-swapping network, beginning with 500 stations in 2025 and scaling up to 10,000 in the years ahead. CATL’s Choco-Swap and QiJi battery-swapping solutions will be deployed across Sinopec’s service stations, helping to overcome range limitations and support China’s dual-carbon goals. This collaboration symbolises the convergence of traditional and new energy sectors and underlines China’s commitment to building a scalable and standardised energy infrastructure.

According to CATL, the transition to “multi-power” represents a shift from parameter-driven to demand-driven energy systems, placing end-user needs at the centre of technological innovation.