Global EV Battery Demand Hits 352.7 GWh in Jan–Apr: CATL at 40.1%, BYD 14.2%

Global installations of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs) reached approximately 352.7 GWh in the first four months of the year, up 13.8% year-on-year, according to data released by South Korea-based market research firm SNE Research.

In April alone, installations totaled 108.1 GWh, up 26% year-on-year, indicating that global electrification momentum remains intact despite a broader slowdown in automotive market growth.

SNE attributed the continued expansion primarily to demand growth in Europe and selected emerging markets, where electrification policies and product rollouts continue to drive battery uptake.

Chinese battery manufacturers maintained a dominant position in the global rankings.

Seven of the world’s top 10 battery suppliers were Chinese companies, collectively accounting for 254.6 GWh of installations in the January–April period, up 17% year-on-year and representing 72.2% of the global market.

Among them, CATL and BYD remained the clear top two global suppliers, with combined installations of 191.4 GWh, equivalent to 54.3% of global share.

CATL retained its No.1 position. Its installations reached 141.4 GWh in the first four months, up 19.8% year-on-year, lifting its global market share to 40.1%, a gain of roughly two percentage points from a year earlier.

BYD ranked second but saw a modest decline. Its battery installations totaled 33.5 GWh, down 2.4% year-on-year, with market share slipping from 16.2% to 14.2%.

The decline broadly tracks fluctuations in its vehicle sales performance.

BYD sold 1.0216 million new energy vehicles in the first four months, down 26.02% year-on-year.

April sales reached 321,100 units, down 15.52%, although overseas performance remained strong, with exports rising 70.9% to 134,500 units.

Beyond the top tier, several Chinese battery makers posted notable growth.

CALB ranked fourth globally with 18.1 GWh of installations, up 39.3%, making it the fastest-growing company among the global top 10.

Gotion High-tech followed with 15.6 GWh, up 30.2%, increasing its market share to 4.4%.

EVE Energy, Svolt Energy, and Sunwoda ranked 8th, 9th, and 10th respectively, with installations of 11.5 GWh, 9.3 GWh, and 8.7 GWh. Their year-on-year growth rates stood at 30.3%, 37.2%, and 17.6%.

In contrast, South Korean and Japanese battery makers continued to face competitive pressure.

LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Panasonic recorded installations of 32 GWh, 12.3 GWh, and 12 GWh respectively during the period.

While all remained within the global top 10, their market share continued to be squeezed by expanding Chinese rivals.