Changan to use innovative CATL Naxtra batteries in its passenger vehicles

CHANGAN UK PRESS INFORMATION

9 February 2026

New sodium-ion battery from CATL announced for future passenger car models from Changan brands
Changan is taking the lead with its sodium-ion roadmap, bringing innovative battery technology with maximum safety and practicality, even under extreme conditions
CATL Naxtra sodium-ion battery with up to 175 Wh/kg energy density

Yakeshi, China - Changan Automobile has unveiled its global sodium-ion battery strategy, confirming plans to introduce CATL’s Naxtra Sodium-Ion battery technology across future passenger vehicles.

The announcement was made during the “Changan SDA Intelligence Update & Global Launch of Sodium-Ion Battery Strategy” event in Yakeshi, which also marked the start of Changan’s 2026 Global Testing Season

Developed in partnership with CATL, the Naxtra sodium-ion battery achieves an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg, placing it among the highest-density mass-produced sodium-ion batteries currently available. The technology is designed to deliver enhanced safety, durability and low-temperature performance, particularly in extreme climates.

Changan confirmed that vehicles equipped with sodium-ion batteries are undergoing extensive validation testing under severe conditions, including temperatures below –40°C. During testing, the battery systems demonstrated stable discharge performance and maintained operational reliability in ultra-low-temperature environments.

Alongside the announcement, Changan conducted a series of safety tests to verify the multiple safety characteristics. Tan Benhong, Chief Brand Officer at Changan, said: “Changan will continue to introduce sodium-ion battery technology across multiple brands in the near future. From extreme environments to everyday driving, every innovation we pursue is designed with one goal in mind: delivering safe, reliable and practical mobility that supports our customers in their day-to-day journeys.”

"Changan will continue to introduce sodium-ion battery technology across multiple brands in the near future. From extreme environments to everyday driving, every innovation we pursue is designed with one goal in mind: delivering safe, reliable and practical mobility that supports our customers in their day-to-day journeys." Tan Benhong, Chief Brand Officer at Changan

Changan vehicles during "Changan SDA Intelligence Update & Global Launch of Sodium-Ion Battery Strategy" in Yakeshi: In the future, the manufacturer will also equip its models with Naxtra Sodium-ion batteries from CATL.

SDA Intelligence: Extreme Trials deliver Daily Reliability

The launch also showcased SDA Intelligence, which moves beyond passive safety into proactive, AI-driven vehicle stabilisation. During the live "Extreme Cold" testing in Yakeshi, the Changan cars demonstrated real-world resilience. Vehicles from Avatr and Changan brands, including the CS Series, Changan Deepal, and Changan Nevo, were subjected to a range of extreme real-world scenarios under severe low-temperature conditions.

The Yakeshi trials at the same time showcased the next evolution of SDA Intelligence, Changan's proactive safety framework. Unlike traditional lab simulations, these tests focused on evaluating intelligent driving and chassis control in unpredictable, low-friction natural environments.

The Avatr 12 mastered an ice-surface emergency lane-change following a tire blowout, with the distributed electric drive system maintaining a perfectly composed trajectory. Changan Nevo Q05 successfully identified obstacles on low-friction ice during an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) challenge, achieving a controlled emergency halt.

Systematic Validation for Reliability

User-facing safety at Changan is built on a validation-first approach, in which all critical testing and verification are completed before vehicles reach customers. Behind this approach lies a robust verification system and a globally advanced cluster of laboratories, forming the foundation for Changan's ability to deliver comprehensive, all-scenario safety.

For real-world validation of mechanical hardware, Changan has built the Western Automotive Proving Ground, covering an area of about 2.33 square kilometres with cumulative investment exceeding 3 billion Chinese Yuan (approximately 431 million USD). The proving ground features 14 dedicated test roads and more than 70 types of special road surfaces, with annual test mileage surpassing 20 million kilometres, equivalent to circling the Earth approximately 500 times.

In software and code-based simulation validation, Changan operates China's only National Key Laboratory for Intelligent Vehicle Safety Technology, the globally Changan SDA Lab. The lab covers more than 400,000 virtual simulation scenarios with daily intelligent driving simulation mileage exceeding 3.3 million kilometres.

Together, these rigorous validation systems and advanced laboratory capabilities form the technological foundation for the inherent safety of Changan's SDA Intelligence. They ensure that every Changan vehicle is equipped from the outset with reliable, built-in safety assurance that users can depend on from day one.

“The adoption of CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion battery technology is another positive step in realising innovation that genuinely matters to UK customers,” said Nic Thomas, Changan UK’s managing director. “It offers the practical advantages British drivers value most – reliable performance in cold conditions, rapid charging and inherent safety for everyday use. Backed by Changan’s global testing programme and SDA Intelligence, we’re focused on ensuring that future vehicles continue to deliver confidence on UK roads, from winter commutes to family journeys, with affordability and dependability at their core.”

The Global Testing Journey Continues

The 2026 Global testing season will continue across multiple regions, including Southeast Asia for high-humidity durability testing, the European Alps for high-altitude chassis tuning, Eurasia for winter performance evaluation, and Latin America for long-distance reliability trials.

Combined WLTP values:

Changan E06: The vehicle is not yet offered for sale and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94 EC. The fuel consumption and emissions data are in the type of approval stage