In a showdown of innovation in China’s EV sector, CATL, the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, has announced a new generation of battery. At CATL’s recent Tech Day in Shanghai, Chief Technology Officer Gao Huan didn’t hold back: “Once again, we are pushing the boundaries of performance beyond limits.”
CATL’s upgraded Shenxing battery is a serious leap forward. Offering 320 miles of range from a fast charge session, it beats BYD’s latest battery by nearly 70 miles and significantly outpaces Tesla’s Supercharger tech, which delivers only 200 miles in 15 minutes. This enhanced battery, which has a full capacity of 500 miles, brings users closer to true long-range EV travel without lengthy charging pit stops. “Our goal is to make the CATL Shenxing supercharging battery the standard for electric vehicles,” said Gao, emphasizing convenience and mobility.
But the Shenxing battery wasn’t CATL’s only reveal. The company also introduced Naxtra, a sodium-ion battery positioned as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-based designs. Due to sodium’s relative abundance, the Naxtra battery promises lower production costs and stronger supply chain stability, key factors in making EVs more affordable and accessible.
CATL underscored Naxtra’s durability and safety, noting its resistance to explosion and fire risks after collisions, and its reliability in extreme weather. Though it delivers a slightly shorter range—up to 310 miles per charge—Naxtra’s affordability and resilience may be its winning features when it enters mass production later this year.
Meanwhile, CATL remains the dominant force in global EV battery supply. According to SNE Research, the company held a commanding 38% market share in 2024, far ahead of BYD’s 17.2%. Its batteries power vehicles across brands like Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and Ford. By late last year, CATL-powered batteries were found in one out of every three EVs on the road, fueling more than 17 million cars globally.
The Shenxing battery, according to Gao, will be used in over 67 EV models this year, though specifics haven’t been disclosed. Its cold-weather performance is another highlight: even at 14°F (-10°C), it can charge from 5% to 80% in just 15 minutes, which makes it a potential game-changer for EVs in colder climates.
Though new U.S. tariffs on Chinese vehicles imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency have raised some concerns, CATL claims these have had little impact. The company told the China Securities Journal that its American business makes up only a small fraction of its total output. It also shared that contingency strategies have been in place since last year, and it’s actively working with partners to manage any disruptions.
