Batteries from CATLImage: CAESAccording to South Korean market research firm SNE Research, the production of battery cells for electric vehicle batteries grew by 9.1 per cent to 244.6 GWh in the first quarter of 2026. However, this growth was significantly weaker than in the full year 2025, when it stood at 31.7 per cent. SNE Research’s data includes battery cells for battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and conventional hybrids.As a South Korean firm, SNE Research closely monitors domestic suppliers LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI. Their combined global market share for the first three months of 2026 was 15.6 per cent, a decline of 2.1 percentage points compared to the same period the previous year.Among these three South Korean manufacturers, LG Energy Solution once again ranked first, recording growth of 6.6 per cent to 23.7 GWh. SK On and Samsung SDI, however, experienced declines: SK On fell by 10.4 per cent to 9.0 GWh, while Samsung SDI dropped by 27.7 per cent to 5.3 GWh. SK On was particularly affected by the discontinuation of the Ford F-150 Lightning, which had previously used its battery cells, as well as the end of US production of the VW ID.4.Meanwhile, Chinese market leader CATL further expanded its market share. The company’s production increased by 15.2 per cent to 99.5 GWh. CATL benefited from rising demand from Chinese manufacturers such as Nio and Zeekr, while Tesla reduced its order volumes due to declining sales of the Model 3. Simultaneously, CATL broadened its customer base by increasing supplies to global automakers like Toyota, Kia, and Skoda.BYD, the world’s second-largest and China’s leading cell producer, recorded a decline of 8.0 per cent to 33.5 GWh. SNE Research attributes this primarily to a decline in domestic sales of the BYD automotive brand, though sales to external customers such as Xiaomi increased. Order volumes from major customers like Xpeng and Nio, as well as BYD’s subsidiary Denza, were reportedly weak in the first quarter.Finally, here is the complete top 10 by production volume for EV battery cells.RankNameShare1CATL40.7 per cent2BYD13.7 per cent3LG Energy Solution9.7 per cent4CALB4.8 per cent5Gotion4.2 per cent6Panasonic3.7 per cent7SK On3.7 per cent8EVE3.1 per cent9SVOLT2.7 per cent10Sunwoda2.2 per centSNE Research currently sees signs of the global battery market entering a structural transition phase, as demand trends diverge across regions and automakers. Specifically, battery demand has recently declined in China and North America, while it has increased in other Asian markets, Europe, and some emerging economies. Cell manufacturers now face the challenge of adapting to these shifts.sneresearch.com
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