Quick HighlightsCATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion battery passes China’s new GB 38031-2025 EV safety certification.Certification tests conducted by CATARC confirm cell- and pack-level safety.Naxtra battery delivers 175Wh/kg energy density, 10,000+ cycle life, and -40°C performance.CATL expands its Chocolate battery swapping network, targeting 1,000 stations by 2025.CATL’s Naxtra Sodium-Ion Battery Becomes First to Meet New GB 38031-2025 EV Safety StandardContemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has achieved another industry milestone. On September 5, CATL's Naxtra sodium-ion battery successfully passed the GB 38031-2025 “Safety Requirements for Power Batteries of Electric Vehicles” certification, becoming the first sodium-ion battery in the world to meet this stringent standard.The GB 38031-2025 standard, which will officially take effect on July 1, 2026 , is designed to address one of the biggest challenges in electric mobility—battery safety. With stricter requirements across thermal diffusion, bottom impact resistance, and fast-charging durability , the regulation aims to eliminate fire risks at the root and improve long-term reliability in EV batteries.CATARC-Verified Safety PerformanceThe certification was awarded following third-party testing by the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre’s Automotive Testing Centre (CATARC) . During the evaluation, the Naxtra sodium-ion battery demonstrated robust safety performance at both the cell and battery pack levels , passing all required tests.This achievement not only validates sodium-ion technology’s potential as a viable alternative to lithium-ion but also positions CATL as a leader in shaping the future of safe, sustainable, and low-carbon energy storage .Technical Advantages of the Naxtra BatteryCATL’s sodium-ion solution offers multiple breakthroughs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries:Energy Density: The Naxtra battery reaches 175Wh/kg , on par with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.Cold Weather Resilience: It maintains 90% usable capacity even at -40°C , making it ideal for high-latitude and cold-climate regions.Fast Charging: With a 5C peak charging rate , EVs can recharge quickly, enhancing convenience.Longevity: The battery supports over 10,000 charging cycles , ensuring long-term durability.Sustainability: By reducing reliance on lithium resources, sodium-ion technology helps build a lower-carbon battery ecosystem .These advantages make sodium-ion batteries particularly attractive for regions with extreme climates, as well as for industries seeking alternatives to lithium amid resource constraints.Roadmap to CommercializationCATL revealed in April that the Naxtra sodium-ion battery will enter mass production in December 2025 . The first rollout will take place in Choco-swap electric vehicle models , leveraging CATL’s growing battery-swapping business.The battery’s 500km range capability also makes it competitive with existing lithium solutions, while its safety edge under the new standard sets it apart as a next-generation choice for electric mobility.Growth of the Chocolate Battery Swap NetworkIn parallel with its sodium-ion breakthrough, CATL continues to expand its Chocolate battery swapping network . In August 2025 , the company added 105 new stations and activated 103 , marking the first time it surpassed the “hundred mark” in both categories within a single month.As of the end of August, CATL operates 512 Chocolate stations across 34 cities in China . With a goal of reaching 1,000 stations by 2025 , the company is rapidly strengthening its infrastructure to support flexible, fast, and scalable EV charging solutions.A Milestone for Sodium-Ion AdoptionThe successful certification of the Naxtra battery represents a turning point for the global EV industry . By passing the GB 38031-2025 standard, CATL has proven that sodium-ion technology is not only commercially viable but also capable of meeting the strictest safety benchmarks.As sodium-ion mass production nears, this breakthrough could accelerate EV adoption in cold regions, reduce dependence on scarce lithium resources, and drive the industry toward safer and greener electrification .