China Power Battery Installations Rebound in April as LFP Batteries Strengthen Market Share

China's power battery installations recovered in April after recording two consecutive months of decline during the seasonal slowdown in vehicle demand earlier this year. According to data released by the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance (CABIA), total power battery installations reached 62.4 gigawatt-hours (GWh) during the month. This represented a 15.2% increase compared with the same period last year and a 10.4% rise from March levels. The rebound highlighted improving momentum in the domestic electric vehicle and energy storage ecosystem as battery demand regained strength following weaker activity in February and March.

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries continued to dominate the domestic battery market in April. Installations of LFP batteries climbed to 50.8 GWh, accounting for 81.5% of all power battery installations in the country. The segment recorded a 13.4% year-on-year increase and an 11.0% month-on-month improvement. The sustained dominance of LFP chemistry reflected strong adoption across mass-market electric vehicles and commercial mobility applications due to cost advantages, thermal stability, and improving energy density performance.

Ternary battery installations also posted positive growth during the month. Total ternary battery installations reached 11.5 GWh, representing 18.5% of overall installations. This marked a 24.2% increase compared with April last year and a 7.6% rise from March. While LFP batteries retained a commanding lead in market share, ternary battery demand remained supported by premium electric vehicle segments that prioritize higher energy density and extended driving range capabilities.

China Power Battery Installations Overview in April 2026

During the first four months of 2026, cumulative power battery installations in China totaled 187.2 GWh, reflecting a modest 1.6% increase from the corresponding period in 2025. LFP battery installations reached 149.8 GWh during the January-April period and accounted for 80.0% of total installations, despite recording a slight 0.1% year-on-year decline. Ternary battery installations during the same period totaled 37.4 GWh, representing 20.0% of total installations and achieving an 8.9% annual increase.

Total sales of power and energy storage batteries in April reached 164.2 GWh, increasing 39.0% compared with last year despite a 6.2% decline from March. Power battery sales contributed 108.9 GWh and accounted for 66.4% of total battery sales during the month. This segment recorded a 25.8% year-on-year increase but experienced a 5.0% sequential decline. Energy storage battery sales totaled 55.2 GWh, representing 33.6% of total sales and delivering a strong 75.5% annual increase even as monthly volumes fell by 8.5%.

China Battery Export Performance in April 2026

Despite maintaining strong year-on-year growth momentum, battery exports from China recorded a notable month-on-month decline in April. Industry data indicated that the decrease was directly influenced by the implementation of a new export tax rebate policy. Combined exports of power and energy storage batteries totaled 31.7 GWh during the month, accounting for 19.3% of total battery sales. Power battery exports reached 20.2 GWh, while energy storage battery exports stood at 11.4 GWh during the same period.

From January through April, cumulative exports of power and energy storage batteries reached 115.8 GWh, representing a 38.1% increase compared with the same period last year. Power batteries remained the largest contributor to exports with 77.1 GWh shipped internationally, accounting for 66.6% of total exports and posting a 47.5% year-on-year increase. Energy storage battery exports during the first four months totaled 38.7 GWh, contributing 33.4% of total exports and recording a 22.5% annual increase.

Battery production levels also continued to rise sharply in April. Combined production of power and energy storage batteries in China reached 183.9 GWh during the month, increasing 55.6% year-on-year and 3.5% compared with March. For the January-April period, total production climbed to 671.3 GWh, reflecting a 51.0% increase from the previous year. The production growth underscored continued expansion across the domestic battery manufacturing sector amid accelerating electrification and energy storage demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did China’s power battery installations rebound in April 2026?
China’s power battery installations rebounded in April 2026 due to recovering vehicle demand after the seasonal slowdown experienced during February and March. Total installations increased both year-on-year and month-on-month as electric vehicle production and battery demand improved across domestic markets. Strong growth in lithium iron phosphate battery adoption also contributed significantly to the rebound. In addition, continued expansion in energy storage applications and rising manufacturing output supported overall market recovery during the month.

Why are LFP batteries dominating China’s battery market?
LFP batteries dominate China’s battery market because they offer lower production costs, improved thermal stability, and strong suitability for mass-market electric vehicles and commercial applications. In April 2026, LFP batteries accounted for more than 80% of all power battery installations in the country. Automakers and battery manufacturers continue to favor this chemistry due to its affordability and safety benefits. Advancements in battery technology have also improved energy density, further strengthening the competitiveness of LFP batteries.

How did China’s battery exports perform in April 2026?
China’s battery exports maintained strong annual growth in April 2026 despite recording a month-on-month decline influenced by a new export tax rebate policy. Combined exports of power and energy storage batteries reached 31.7 GWh during the month. Power battery exports and energy storage battery exports both posted solid year-on-year gains, reflecting sustained international demand. However, sequential declines indicated short-term pressure on export activity following recent policy adjustments affecting overseas shipments.