The new Changan Nevo A06 electric car can withstand temperatures as low as -50 °C

Until now, electric cars have struggled to cope with driving in freezing temperatures, but that may be about to change. Chinese automaker Changan, together with CATL, has unveiled the world's first mass-produced passenger electric car with a sodium-ion battery — the Nevo A06. Importantly, this is a car that is ready for mass production, not just another concept or show model.

Winter testing was conducted in Inner Mongolia at temperatures as low as -40 °C. According to the developers, the car retained more than 90% of its battery capacity even in such cold weather, and remained operational down to -50 °C. Charging is possible at temperatures as low as -30 °C, a feat that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries cannot boast.

The Nevo A06 is powered by a CATL Naxtra battery, the first sodium-ion unit certified for passenger cars. It has a capacity of 45 kWh and a claimed range of over 400 km on the CLTC cycle. CATL claims that at sub-zero temperatures, the battery is capable of delivering several times more power than comparable LFP solutions, which has a positive effect on dynamics and cabin heating performance.
Special emphasis is placed on safety: sodium is cheaper and more common than lithium, and is also less sensitive to overheating. According to the company, the cells have undergone rigorous testing — from mechanical damage to extreme heating — without catching fire or causing uncontrolled reactions.