Chinese manufacturers now supply over 70% of the world’s batteries for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. CATL and BYD lead the surge, reshaping the industry and challenging global competitors with rapid growth and expanding influence.
More than seven out of every ten batteries powering the world’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles now come from Chinese factories. According to SNE Research, Chinese battery makers have expanded their global market share to 72.4% in the first half of the year, up 1.5 percentage points from the same period in 2025. This surge reflects not only China’s aggressive push into electrification but also its control over the entire battery supply chain, from raw materials to finished products.
CATL remains the undisputed leader, delivering 242.7 GWh of battery capacity between January and June—a 25.3% increase year-on-year. This performance has pushed CATL’s global market share to 39.9%, up 1.7 points from last year. BYD, the world’s top seller of electric vehicles, holds second place with 87.7 GWh supplied, marking a modest 1.6% growth. Together, CATL and BYD now account for 54.3% of the global battery market, a slight dip of half a percentage point compared to the previous year, but still a commanding presence.
Other Chinese manufacturers—CALB, Gotion, EVE, Svolt, and Sunwoda—have also contributed to this dominance, collectively delivering 440.7 GWh, a 22.5% jump from the previous year. In contrast, non-Chinese competitors are struggling to keep pace. LG Energy Solutions, the leading South Korean player, supplied 52.6 GWh, up 8.4% year-on-year, but its market share slipped to 8.6% as Chinese rivals expanded aggressively and some of LG’s key clients saw uneven sales.
Industry analysts suggest that future competition will hinge not just on production scale, but on operational efficiency at regional manufacturing sites, the ability to diversify customer bases, and the flexibility to adapt product lines to shifting regulations and local supply chain requirements. The rapid growth of Chinese battery makers is already forcing global automakers and suppliers to rethink their sourcing strategies and regional investments.
As the electric vehicle sector evolves, regulatory changes and consumer preferences are reshaping the landscape. The push for faster licensing and adaptation, such as the recent debate in the UK over streamlined manual driving licenses for automatic drivers, highlights how quickly the industry is moving to accommodate new technologies and market realities.
According to elespanol motor, China’s dominance in battery manufacturing is not just a result of government policy, but also of sustained investment in research, infrastructure, and international expansion. For now, the global battery race is being set by Chinese companies, and their lead shows no sign of narrowing.
