SNE Research, a market research firm specializing in the energy sector, announced on November 4 that the total battery usage in electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids and hybrids) registered worldwide from January to September this year reached 811.7 GWh, marking a 34.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
During this period, the combined global market share for electric vehicle batteries of the three major Korean battery manufacturers-LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI-stood at 16.9%, a decrease of 3.3 percentage points compared to the same period last year.
LG Energy Solution maintained its third-place position, growing by 14.7% (79.7 GWh) year-on-year, while SK On recorded a growth rate of 24.0% (34.5 GWh), ranking fifth. In contrast, Samsung SDI saw a decrease of 4.7% (23.0 GWh).
Samsung SDI, which supplies batteries for electric vehicles from BMW, Audi, and Rivian, saw its share decline as LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries from China’s Gotion were installed in Rivian’s R1S and R1T Standard Range trims. On the other hand, battery installations in Audi electric vehicles increased by 33.6% year-on-year as sales of the Q6 e-tron gained momentum.
SK On batteries are mainly used in electric vehicles produced by Hyundai Motor Group, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Volkswagen. While sales of the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.7 increased, sales of the Ford F-150 Lightning slowed. SNE Research analyzed, "The recovery in demand from key customers such as Ford and Hyundai Motor will be crucial for improving the operational rate at SK On’s U.S. plant."
Batteries from LG Energy Solution are primarily installed in major finished vehicles such as Tesla, Chevrolet, Kia, and Volkswagen. Battery usage by Tesla decreased by 14.5% compared to last year. In contrast, global sales of the Kia EV3 were strong, and North American sales of the Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs, which use the Ultium platform, increased.
China’s CATL maintained its position as the global leader, growing by 31.5% (297.2 GWh) year-on-year. BYD recorded a growth rate of 45.6% (145.0 GWh), ranking second in global battery usage. Notably, BYD’s battery usage in Europe from January to September this year reached 10.3 GWh, a 246.2% increase compared to the same period last year.
SNE Research stated, "The global secondary battery market continues to grow, but regulations and raw material risks are shaping regional strategies," adding, "Going forward, companies will need to ensure regulatory compliance, diversify materials, and pursue sustainable design and recycling in parallel. Technological innovation and flexible business structures will determine mid- to long-term competitiveness."
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