CATL has secured a landmark 60 GWh contract with energy storage firm HyperStrong, marking the world’s largest order for sodium-ion batteries to date. The three-year agreement signals a major shift toward the mass commercialization of sodium-based technology for large-scale energy storage projects. By overcoming previous manufacturing challenges, CATL is positioning sodium-ion batteries as a cost-effective, abundant alternative to lithium-ion systems. This deal represents nearly half of the company’s total energy storage deliveries from the previous year, solidifying its leadership in the global battery market.
On April 27, 2026, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) and HyperStrong finalized a strategic cooperation agreement that positions sodium-ion technology at the forefront of the global energy transition. Under the terms of the deal, CATL will supply 60 GWh of sodium-ion batteries over a three-year period. This volume is particularly noteworthy as it represents approximately 50% of the total energy storage capacity CATL delivered throughout 2025, underscoring the rapid scaling of this emerging technology.
The partnership extends beyond a simple supply arrangement, encompassing joint initiatives in research and development, project execution, and product deployment. This latest contract builds upon a long-term commitment established in late 2025, where HyperStrong pledged to purchase 200 GWh of battery cells from CATL through 2035. According to CATL, the deal serves as definitive proof that the company has resolved critical manufacturing obstacles, including energy density limitations, moisture sensitivity, and production issues such as foaming.
Sodium-ion batteries utilize sodium as the primary charge carrier, offering a significant advantage over lithium due to the element’s vast abundance and lower sourcing costs. While lithium-ion remains the standard for high-energy-density applications like electric vehicles, sodium-ion is becoming the preferred choice for grid-scale energy storage. These systems are essential for stabilizing power grids by storing energy from renewable sources and discharging it during peak demand.
Technical specifications for CATL’s sodium-ion module are impressive, featuring a capacity exceeding 300 Ah and an energy density of approximately 160 Wh per kilogram. The units boast a system energy efficiency of 97% and are designed for longevity, capable of exceeding 15,000 charge cycles while maintaining 80% of their original capacity. Furthermore, these batteries demonstrate exceptional thermal resilience, operating effectively in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C.
To facilitate seamless integration, CATL has engineered these sodium-ion products to match the physical dimensions of its existing lithium-ion lineup. This compatibility allows operators to utilize current infrastructure without expensive modifications, thereby reducing installation costs and accelerating the deployment of large-scale storage projects.
While other industry players such as BYD, HiNa Battery, and Natron Energy are actively developing sodium-ion solutions, CATL’s 60 GWh agreement sets a new benchmark for commercial scale. As the global sodium-ion market is projected to reach $1.08 billion by 2026, CATL is leveraging its dominant position in the electric vehicle sector to capture a significant share of the burgeoning energy storage industry.