Chinese automaker Changan and battery manufacturer CATL are planning to expand their joint battery production capacity from 50 GWh to 75 GWh, adding another 25 GWh through a new manufacturing facility. The expansion is expected to strengthen battery supply for Changan’s electric vehicle brands while deepening collaboration on next-generation battery technologies, including solid-state and sodium-ion batteries.
According to Changan’s announcement on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange platform, the additional capacity will be developed at a site covering approximately 700,000 square metres in a high-tech zone between Chongqing and Sichuan Province. The project is estimated to involve an investment of around 5 billion yuan, with operations expected to begin in 2027. The new facility is planned to reach its additional 25 GWh capacity within three years.
The CATL-Changan joint venture was established in 2023 and supplies batteries to electric vehicle brands within Changan’s group, including Avatr, Deepal and Nevo. The new manufacturing site is expected to produce cells incorporating CATL’s latest battery technologies.
Beyond increasing production capacity, the companies intend to expand their technological cooperation, with a focus on solid-state and sodium-ion battery development.
Changan has been developing solid-state batteries under its “Golden Bell” battery programme. The company has announced 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 aims to introduce vehicles using the technology in 2026 and increase commercial production in 2027. These figures remain development targets, and the readiness of the stated performance for mass-market vehicles has not been confirmed.
China is also advancing standards for solid-state battery technologies. A new national standard, GB/T 48093.1-2026, published in August, establishes terminology and classifications intended to distinguish all-solid-state, semi-solid and hybrid battery cells. It is scheduled to take effect in early 2028.
Meanwhile, the Changan-CATL collaboration on sodium-ion batteries has progressed towards vehicle applications. CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion cells have been tested in passenger vehicle projects, including models under Changan’s Oshan brand. The Nevo A06 has also been announced as a production vehicle using sodium-ion battery technology.
The Nevo A06 is equipped with a 45 kWh battery featuring CATL’s Naxtra cells and 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 the cells.
The planned capacity expansion combines increased battery manufacturing with ongoing development of alternative battery chemistries. For Changan, the partnership provides greater access to battery production and technology to support its electric vehicle portfolio.
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