In Jan 2026, Global[1] EV Battery Separator Installment[2] Reached 1,110Mil ㎡, a 14.1% YoY Growth
- With the increasing installment of batteries in electric vehicles in Jan 2026, the global separator market maintained steady growth
(Source: 2026 Feb Global EV & Battery Monthly Tracker (Incl. LiB 4 Major Materials), SNE Research)
In January 2026, the total volume of separators deployed in electric vehicles (EV, PHEV, HEV) registered worldwide reached 1,110 million $m^2$, representing a 14.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase. During the same period, the market excluding China recorded 408 million $m^2$, showing a significantly robust growth of 31.9% YoY and maintaining a steady upward trajectory.
As a critical component within lithium-ion batteries, the separator physically isolates the cathode and anode to prevent short circuits while facilitating the movement of lithium ions. Because it directly impacts both battery safety and performance, the separator market continues to expand in tandem with the broadening EV market and the rising demand for high-performance batteries.
In January 2026, major suppliers in the global separator market exhibited significant growth. SEMCORP maintained its market leadership, recording 328 million $m^2$—a 9% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Other major Chinese players also demonstrated strong performance, including Sinoma (+23%), Senior (+16%), and ZIMT (+31%). Meanwhile, South Korea’s SK IE Technology recorded 30 million $m^2$, a marginal increase of 1% YoY.
By nationality, Chinese companies continue to hold an absolute advantage, accounting for over 90% of the total market share. Since the first quarter of 2024, the market presence of Japanese and South Korean firms has shown a gradual decline. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, market shares were recorded at 5.2% for Japan and 3.3% for South Korea. As the market power of Chinese enterprises strengthens, the global competitive landscape is increasingly restructuring around a China-centric supply chain.
(Source: 2026 Feb Global EV & Battery Monthly Tracker (Incl. LiB 4 Major Materials), SNE Research)
Last year, the global EV separator market sustained its annual growth trajectory, supported by the continuous expansion of battery installations and increased shipments from major suppliers, primarily centered in China. However, in 2026, the growth pace of EV-grade separators is expected to moderate significantly due to the overall deceleration of the electric vehicle market.
In early 2026, intensifying competition and supply pressures within China have pushed the industry toward profitability-focused strategies, such as price defense, capacity utilization adjustments, and a product mix shift toward high-value offerings. Conversely, as power grid stabilization and renewable energy expansion drive the growth of the ESS (Energy Storage System) market, demand for ESS-grade separators is projected to outpace that of the EV sector. Consequently, the proportion of ESS within the total demand structure is likely to rise gradually. For suppliers, success will depend on their ability to maintain competitiveness in high-performance EV products while simultaneously expanding their ESS customer base and diversifying their product portfolios.
[2] Based on batteries installed to electric vehicles registered during the relevant period.