Washington's highest court weighs the fate of I-2066 (passed with 51.7% in 2024), while in Poland CATL Techtrans II and Naxtra sodium-ion batteries retain 90% capacity at -30°C. A 2026 comparison of Na-ion, LFP and NMC chemistries plus EV TCO data.
Imagine this: in Washington state, the highest court is weighing the fate of "I-2066" – an initiative that passed with 51.7% of the vote in 2024. Gas supporters say it protects "energy choice"; opponents call it a move that undermines climate laws. Meanwhile in Poland, EVs equipped with CATL Techtrans II and Naxtra batteries handle winter better than older lithium cells.
I-2066 landed on the ballot in 2024 in a rush, accompanied by a record 5% blank votes. The campaign claimed it would "ban gas," even though the law requires utilities to provide gas to anyone who wants it. The initiative was backed by outside millions from Building Industry WA and Let's Go WA. The court is now asking whether the title misled voters and illegally changed clean-air statutes.
"Special interests don't play by special rules," says Erika Evans, a Seattle prosecutor.
According to PSPA estimates, the TCO of an EV in Poland in 2026 is projected to be 20-30% lower than combustion cars after 5 years. Lithium batteries (IBRM Samar data) have crossed >600 PLN/kWh (a 160% rise), while CATL's Na-ion forecast is 400-500 PLN/kWh.
Gigafactories? BMZ and Northvolt are testing Na-ion; LG remains cautious.
While in the US fossil fuels are rolling back parts of the regulation, in Poland the Mój Elektryk program subsidises EV purchases and CATL cell imports could start as early as 2026. Does Na-ion really beat LFP and NMC in the cold? The table shows higher capacity retention at -30°C and a lower projected cost.
"This is a cynical attack on affordable energy and clean air," says Alyssa Macy of Washington Conservation Action. Dylan Plummer of the Sierra Club adds: "Industry will do a lot to slow climate action."
If the court strikes down I-2066, the US could speed up its shift to EVs. Poland is betting on sodium-ion cells – cheaper and winter-ready. Compare costs and available subsidies before buying.
Sources: CleanTechnica, PSPA, IBRM Samar. 2026 estimates.
CATL Techtrans II and Naxtra sodium-ion batteries retain 90% capacity at -30°C, while traditional NMC lithium batteries lose 40-50% of their power in the same conditions. The projected Na-ion cost of 400-500 PLN/kWh is also 20-25% lower than lithium batteries, which have crossed 600 PLN/kWh.
I-2066 in Washington state, passed with 51.7%, was meant to protect natural gas access under the pretext of "energy choice." If the highest court strikes it down, the US will accelerate its shift to EVs, which could lower global battery prices. For Poland, that means potentially cheaper CATL imports and more competition in the EV market.
According to PSPA analysis, the TCO of an EV in Poland in 2026 is projected to be 20-30% lower than a combustion car after five years. At 20,000 km per year, the energy cost (about 0.80 PLN/kWh on a night tariff) works out to roughly 2,800 PLN per year for an EV consuming 17 kWh/100 km, while a combustion car (7 l/100 km at 7 PLN/l) generates about 9,800 PLN of fuel costs. Add lower service costs and the Mój Elektryk subsidy, and savings can reach 35-40% over the full life cycle.
BMZ Poland and Northvolt are running pilot tests of sodium-ion technology, but mass Na-ion production in Poland is a 2027-2028 prospect. LG Energy Solution in Wrocław focuses on proven LFP and NMC cells. Imports of finished CATL Naxtra and Techtrans II cells into Poland could start in 2026. The projected price of such an Na-ion EV is 95,000-120,000 PLN, which is 15-20% less than comparable lithium-battery models.
| Battery | Chemistry | Cost (PLN/kWh, 2026) | Retention at -30°C (%) | Energy density (Wh/kg) | Cycles (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CATL Techtrans II / Naxtra | Na-ion | 400-500 | 90 | 175 | 10000 |
| LG Energy Solution (Wrocław) | LFP | ~580 | 80 | 160 | 8000 |
| Typical NMC (import) | NMC | >600 | 50-60 | 220 | 5000 |
| Northvolt / BMZ (Na-ion pilot) | Na-ion / LFP | 500-600 | 85 | 170 | 9000 |
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