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CATL Aims to Mass Produce Sodium-Ion Batteries in 2023By Guo YingzheWhat’s new: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (300750.SZ -0.57%) plans to start mass production of its sodium-ion batteries next year, according to an exchange filing.The world’s largest manufacturer of electric-vehicle (EV) batteries, which also goes by CATL, said it has been setting up a supply chain for the batteries and has entered negotiations with some carmakers about their use.The context: The technological limitations of sodium-ion batteries have mostly seen their use confined to things like e-bikes and energy storage, according to analysts at brokerage Pacific Securities Co. Ltd.But while their widely-used lithium-based peers generally have a much higher energy density, spiraling costs of their metal inputs has started a race among battery-makers to develop more efficient sodium cells.Sodium-ion batteries cells have their own advantages. Aside from being cheaper, they can recharge faster and perform better at low temperatures. They are also more environmentally friendly because they do not use rare metals.CATL’s first-generation sodium battery generates 160 watt-hours electricity per kilogram, compared to over 200 watt-hours for a mainstream lithium battery. Last year, CATL unveiled its first sodium battery prototype and said it has been experimenting with new technologies to create a second-generation sodium battery that can achieve 200 watt-hours per kilogram.Last month, Shan Xi Hua Yang Group New Energy Co. Ltd. (600348.SH +0.39%) launched a sodium cell production line that can produce 1 gigawatt-hour worth of batteries annually.Related: CATL Goes All In on Next-Gen Sodium-Ion EV BatteriesQuick Takes