Global installations of power batteries for electric vehicles reached 725.2 GWh in the first seven months of 2026, up 20.4% year-on-year, according to data from SNE Research cited by Chinese outlet D1EV. The net increase of 123 GWh over the same period last year was driven overwhelmingly by Chinese suppliers, which took seven of the top ten spots and a combined 72.8% market share, up 3.1 percentage points from a year earlier.
The seven Chinese companies together added 108.8 GWh of installations, equivalent to about 88.5% of the global net growth. CATL led the pack with 289.6 GWh, up 26.6%, raising its share from 38.0% to 39.9% — just 0.1 percentage points shy of 40%. BYD followed with 106.7 GWh, up 4.7%, holding second place with a 14.7% share, though its lead over rivals remains substantial. Together, CATL and BYD command 54.6% of the global market, but the gap between them widened from 126.8 GWh to 182.9 GWh as CATL grew faster.
Mid-tier Chinese suppliers gain ground
Growth was not limited to the top two. CALB (China Aviation Lithium Battery) installed 37.3 GWh, up 34.3%; Gotion High-tech reached 34.0 GWh, up 44.2%; EVE Energy and SVOLT grew 53.1% and 39.1% respectively. REPT Battero posted the highest growth among the top ten, surging from 7.7 GWh to 16.9 GWh, a 118.5% jump that lifted it into the global top ten for the first time, displacing Sunwoda. The combined share of the top six fell slightly to 76.3%, while the top ten's share rose to 87.9%, indicating that mid-tier players are capturing more of the new demand.
Chinese suppliers benefit from a large domestic market and the cost competitiveness of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, according to SNE Research. But as they expand overseas, they face challenges in production efficiency, customer acquisition and compliance with new supply-chain rules.
Japanese and Korean makers lag behind
Japanese and Korean manufacturers grew more slowly than the market average. LG Energy Solution installed 60.3 GWh, up 4.5%, keeping third place but seeing its share drop to 8.3%. Panasonic installed 26.2 GWh, up 7.6%, with a 3.6% share. SK On was the only top-ten player to see a decline, falling 9.8% to 22.3 GWh, as some North American and European customers adjusted EV production plans.
Regulatory changes are also reshaping competition. The EU's battery passport requirements take effect on February 18, 2027, for EV batteries entering the EU market, and new guidance has clarified data obligations. SNE Research noted that North American rules on critical minerals and battery components are also influencing overseas strategies. Chinese battery makers will need to provide verifiable supply-chain records, not just competitive performance and price, to secure partnerships with local automakers.
The 725.2 GWh figure covers only automotive batteries. Energy storage and data-center demand are opening new opportunities, but operational efficiency, customer mix and supply-chain management will increasingly determine market performance, the report said.
