- Global EV battery installations reached 244.6 GWh in Q1 2026 with 9.1% year-on-year growth.
- CATL retained market leadership while Chinese battery makers secured over 71% market share.
Global EV battery installations continued to expand during the first quarter of 2026 as demand for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles remained strong across major automotive markets. According to data released by SNE Research on May 6, cumulative global battery installation reached 244.6 GWh between January and March 2026, representing a 9.1% increase compared with the same period last year. The latest figures highlighted the increasing dominance of Chinese battery suppliers, while Korean manufacturers continued to face mounting profitability pressure despite maintaining a strong global presence.
Among the top 10 global battery suppliers by national origin, Chinese manufacturers accounted for 71.4% of total sales during the first quarter of 2026. Korean manufacturers secured 13.4% share, while Japanese suppliers represented 3.7% of the global market. The latest market distribution underscored the widening gap between Chinese battery companies and competitors from other regions as Chinese firms continued to expand production capacity, customer reach, and technological competitiveness across the electric mobility ecosystem.
CATL remained the world’s largest battery supplier during January to March 2026 with total installations reaching 99.5 GWh. The company recorded a 15.2% year-on-year increase and captured 40.7% global market share. BYD ranked second with 33.5 GWh despite an 8.0% decline compared with the previous year. The company maintained a 13.7% share of the global battery market as it continued supplying batteries for both internal vehicle demand and external customers.
Leading Global EV Battery Suppliers in Q1 2026
The latest rankings showed continued momentum for several Chinese battery makers, while Korean suppliers maintained stable growth amid intensifying competition and pricing pressure in the global electric vehicle market.
| Rank | Supplier | 2026 Jan-Mar (GWh) | 2025 Jan-Mar (GWh) | Growth Rate | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CATL | 99.5 | 86.4 | 15.2% | 40.7% |
| 2 | BYD | 33.5 | 36.4 | -8.0% | 13.7% |
| 3 | LG Energy Solution | 23.7 | 22.3 | 6.6% | 9.7% |
| 4 | CALB | 11.6 | 8.8 | 31.7% | 4.8% |
| 5 | Gotion | 10.2 | 8.1 | 26.3% | 4.2% |
LG Energy Solution secured third position globally with 23.7 GWh of battery installations, representing 6.6% annual growth and 9.7% market share. Chinese battery manufacturers CALB and Gotion also delivered strong year-on-year growth of 31.7% and 26.3% respectively, reflecting rising demand from domestic and international electric vehicle manufacturers seeking diversified battery sourcing strategies.
SNE Research stated that the first quarter of 2026 reflected expanding dominance by Chinese battery manufacturers alongside profitability challenges for Korean suppliers. The research firm indicated that future competitiveness would increasingly depend on diversification across regional operations, customer portfolios, and product offerings rather than relying solely on manufacturing capacity expansion. The report also emphasized the importance of securing demand opportunities beyond the electric vehicle sector as battery suppliers continue exploring energy storage systems and additional electrification applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did global EV battery installations grow in Q1 2026?
Global EV battery installations increased by 9.1% year-on-year during January to March 2026, reaching a cumulative 244.6 GWh. The growth was driven by continued demand for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid electric vehicles across major automotive markets. Chinese battery manufacturers remained the dominant contributors to global supply growth, while several leading companies expanded production and market reach despite increasing competition and pricing pressure within the electric vehicle battery industry.
Which company led the global EV battery market in Q1 2026?
CATL remained the leading global EV battery supplier during the first quarter of 2026 with 99.5 GWh of battery installations and a 40.7% market share. The company recorded 15.2% year-on-year growth, strengthening its global leadership position. Other major suppliers included BYD, LG Energy Solution, CALB, and Gotion. Chinese manufacturers collectively accounted for more than 71% of total battery sales among the top global suppliers during the period.
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