From Jan to Mar 2025, Non-Chinese Global EV Battery Usage Posted 28.0GWh, a 26.5% YoY Growth
- In Jan–Mar 2025, K-trio’s combined
M/S recorded 40.3%.
Battery
installation for global electric vehicles (EV, PHEV, HEV) excluding the Chinese
market sold from January to March 2025 totaled approximately 98.4GWh, a 26.5%
YoY growth.
(Source: 2025 Apr Global Monthly EV and
Battery Monthly Tracker, SNE Research)
The combined market share of LG Energy
Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI in global electric vehicle battery usage from
January to March 2025 recorded 40.3%, down 5.4%p from the same period last
year. LG Energy Solution maintained 2nd place with a 15.3% (21.9GWh) YoY
growth, while SK On ranked 3rd with a 35.5% (10.4GWh) increase. In contrast,
Samsung SDI saw a 16.9% (7.3GWh) decline, mainly due to decreased battery
demand from major car OEMs in in Europe and North America.
(Source: 2025 Apr Global Monthly EV and
Battery Monthly Tracker, SNE Research)
If we look at the battery usage by the K-trio based on electric vehicle
sales, Samsung SDI’s batteries were mainly used in models from BMW, followed by
Audi and Rivian. In the case of BMW, models equipped with Samsung SDI’s
batteries—such as the i4, i5, and iX—continued to show steady sales. However,
the launch of standard-range trims of Rivian’s R1S and R1T with LFP batteries
supplied by another manufacturer negatively impacted Samsung SDI’s battery
usage. In addition, declining sales of Audi’s Q8 e-Tron also contributed to a
negative growth rate.
SK On’s batteries were mainly installed in EV models from Hyundai Motor
Group, followed by Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Hyundai Motor Group saw a
recovery in sales after the facelifted versions of the IONIQ 5 and EV6 were
released. Mercedes-Benz maintained stable performance with steady sales of the
compact SUVs EQA and EQB, both equipped with SK On’s batteries, comparable to
the same period last year. In addition, strong sales of Volkswagen’s ID.7 and
ID.4 positively contributed to the increase in SK On’s battery usage.
LG Energy Solution’s batteries were mainly installed in EV models from
Tesla, followed by Kia, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet. In the case of Tesla, weak
sales of models equipped with LG Energy Solution’s batteries led to a 24.3%
decline in its battery usage. Meanwhile, total battery usage increased by 15.3%
thanks to strong sales of Volkswagen’s ID series, Kia’s EV3, and expanded sales
of Chevrolet’s Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs built on the Ultium platform.
Panasonic, which primarily
supplies batteries to Tesla, recorded a battery usage of 7.2GWh this year,
ranking 5th. The high dependence on Tesla, coupled with the automaker’s sales
decline driven by reduced sales of the Model 3 and Model Y, is seen as the main
cause. Panasonic is expected to see a rapid recovery in battery usage,
especially in North America, by launching improved 2170 and 4680 cells for
Tesla.
China’s CATL posted a 35.5% YoY growth (29.0GWh) and firmly maintained
its position as the global No. 1. In addition to Chinese local OEMs, many major
global OEMs also adopted CATL’s batteries.
BYD ranked 6th with a 104.7% growth (6.4GWh) even outside the Chinese
market. As a company that manufactures both batteries and electric vehicles
(BEV + PHEV), BYD has gained strong popularity by introducing a wide range of
EVs at competitive prices. In 2024, BYD’s EV sales reached approximately 4
million units, and it is targeting around 6 million new car sales in 2025. The
company is rapidly expanding its presence beyond the Chinese domestic market
into Asia, including Korea, and Europe, quickly increasing its overseas M/S.
(Source: 2025 Apr Global Monthly EV and
Battery Monthly Tracker, SNE Research)
Meanwhile, Europe is accelerating its transition to eco-friendly
mobility by officially announcing an action plan to foster the electric vehicle
industry alongside strengthened carbon emission regulations. With relatively
low trade barriers, the European market is seeing active local investment by
Chinese OEMs and battery makers, creating an environment that presents both
opportunities and risks for Korean companies. Technological competitiveness and
ESG response capabilities are key factors for success in the European market,
making a proactive strategy essential.
[2] Based on battery installation for xEV registered during the relevant period