Chinese automaker Changan and battery manufacturer CATL plan to expand their joint battery production capacity from 50 GWh to 75 GWh and deepen cooperation on solid-state and sodium-ion battery technologies.
According to an announcement by Changan via the Shenzhen Stock Exchange platform, the expansion will add 25 GWh of capacity at a planned facility covering approximately 700,000 square metres in a high-tech zone between Chongqing and Sichuan Province. CarNewsChina reported that the investment is estimated at 5 billion yuan, with operations scheduled to begin in 2027 and the additional capacity expected to be established within three years.
Expanding Battery Production
The CATL-Changan joint venture was established in 2023 and supplies battery cells to several electric vehicle brands within the Changan group, including Avatr, Deepal and Nevo.
Changan said the new facility will manufacture cells incorporating CATL’s latest battery technology. The expansion is intended to strengthen the automaker’s access to battery supplies as it develops its electric vehicle lineup.
Cooperation on Solid-State Batteries
Both companies are also pursuing advanced battery technologies. Changan has been developing solid-state cells under its Golden Bell programme, with the company announcing development targets of up to 400 Wh/kg energy density, more than 1,500 kilometres of driving range, over 5,000 charging cycles and 6C charging capability.
Changan has targeted vehicle launches in 2026 and increased commercial production in 2027. However, these figures remain development targets, and series-production readiness has not been confirmed.
China is also developing standards to distinguish all-solid-state batteries from semi-solid and hybrid designs. Standard GB/T 48093.1-2026, published in August 2026, is scheduled to take effect in January 2028.
Sodium-Ion Batteries Move Toward Production
The companies have made more concrete progress with sodium-ion technology. In early 2026, CATL tested its Naxtra sodium-ion cells in several passenger vehicle projects, including applications under Changan’s Oshan brand.
Changan subsequently announced the Nevo A06 sedan with a 45 kWh sodium-ion battery. The vehicle is expected to deliver more than 400 kilometres of range under China’s CLTC test cycle.
CATL reports an energy density of 175 Wh/kg for its Naxtra cells, positioning the technology as another option for electric vehicle battery applications alongside lithium iron phosphate batteries.
The expanded partnership combines near-term manufacturing capacity growth with longer-term battery development. For Changan, closer cooperation with CATL could support battery supply for its vehicle brands while providing access to emerging cell technologies.
