China EV Battery Installations Reach 71.9 GWh in May as LFP Batteries Dominate Market

China’s EV battery installations maintained strong momentum in May, recording a second consecutive month of accelerated growth. According to data released by the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance (CABIA), total EV battery installations reached 71.9 GWh during the month. This represented a year-on-year increase of 25.9% and a month-on-month rise of 15.2%. The performance marked a significant improvement over April’s growth rate and highlighted the recovery in demand following weaker results earlier in the year when seasonal factors weighed on vehicle sales.

May 2026 EV Battery Installation Performance

Battery deployment trends showed continued expansion across major chemistry categories. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries remained the dominant technology in the domestic market, while ternary batteries also delivered healthy growth. The combined increase in installations reflected stronger EV production activity and improving market demand across multiple vehicle segments.

China EV Battery Installations by Chemistry in May

Cumulative Installations Continue to Improve

From January to May, cumulative EV battery installations in China totaled 259.1 GWh, representing growth of 7.3% compared with the same period in 2025. The cumulative expansion rate accelerated significantly from the January-April level of 1.6%, indicating strengthening market fundamentals. LFP batteries accounted for 208.2 GWh during the first five months, equivalent to 80.4% of total installations and up 6.0% year-on-year. Ternary batteries contributed 50.8 GWh, representing 19.6% of installations and growing 13.3% year-on-year.

Battery Sales Maintain Strong Momentum

Sales of EV and energy-storage batteries remained robust throughout May. Combined battery sales reached 182.2 GWh, increasing 47.4% year-on-year and 11.0% from April. EV batteries accounted for the majority of demand, supported by rising vehicle production and ongoing electrification trends. Energy-storage batteries also continued to contribute significantly to overall market volumes.

Battery Sales Performance in May

Battery Exports Decline Sequentially Despite Strong Annual Growth

Export performance presented a mixed picture during May. Combined exports of EV and energy-storage batteries totaled 29.3 GWh, accounting for 16.1% of total battery sales. Export volumes increased 53.7% compared with the previous year but declined 7.6% from April, marking the second consecutive month of sequential contraction. The April export figure had already recorded a 12.3% month-on-month decline, indicating a moderation in overseas shipment momentum despite healthy annual expansion.

EV battery exports reached 20.1 GWh in May, increasing 48.7% year-on-year while slipping 0.6% from April. Energy-storage battery exports stood at 9.2 GWh, posting a 66.2% year-on-year gain but declining 19.9% month-on-month. During the January-May period, total battery exports reached 145.1 GWh, up 41.0% year-on-year and representing 18.5% of cumulative sales. EV batteries contributed 97.2 GWh, accounting for 67.0% of exports, while energy-storage batteries reached 47.9 GWh and represented 33.0% of export volumes.

Production Reaches New Highs

Production activity across the battery sector remained exceptionally strong. Combined output of EV and energy-storage batteries reached 191.7 GWh in May, representing growth of 55.2% year-on-year and 4.2% higher than April levels. The increase reflected sustained manufacturing activity and continued investment across the battery value chain. For the first five months of the year, total production reached 863.0 GWh, a substantial 51.9% increase compared with the same period last year.

Market Outlook

The latest figures indicate that China continues to strengthen its position as a leading battery manufacturing and deployment market. LFP technology remains the preferred chemistry, commanding more than four-fifths of domestic installations. While exports experienced short-term month-on-month softness, overall demand trends across installations, sales, and production remained positive. The acceleration in cumulative growth rates suggests that the battery industry entered the second quarter with stronger momentum, supported by expanding EV adoption and growing energy-storage requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were China’s EV battery installations in May?
China’s EV battery installations reached 71.9 GWh in May, reflecting strong growth compared with both the previous year and the previous month. The total represented a 25.9% year-on-year increase and a 15.2% rise from April. The result marked the second consecutive month of accelerating growth and highlighted improving demand conditions in the country’s electric vehicle market following weaker performance earlier in the year.

Which battery chemistry dominated the market in May?
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries remained the dominant battery chemistry in China during May. Installations reached 58.4 GWh, accounting for 81.2% of the total market. LFP batteries also recorded growth of 25.4% year-on-year and 14.9% month-on-month. Their strong position reflects continued industry preference for the chemistry due to its widespread adoption across electric vehicles and energy-storage applications.

How did battery exports perform during May?
China exported a combined 29.3 GWh of EV and energy-storage batteries during May. While exports increased 53.7% compared with the same month last year, they declined 7.6% from April. This marked the second consecutive month of sequential decline. EV battery exports totaled 20.1 GWh, while energy-storage battery exports reached 9.2 GWh, showing different growth dynamics across export categories.

What was the total battery production volume in May?
Combined production of EV and energy-storage batteries reached 191.7 GWh in May. The output level represented a substantial 55.2% increase year-on-year and a 4.2% rise compared with April. Strong production growth aligned with expanding battery installations and sales, indicating healthy activity across the broader battery manufacturing ecosystem and reinforcing the sector’s positive growth trajectory during the first five months of the year.