One Nation Dominates 69% of EV Battery Market. Guess Who?
China has significantly strengthened its hold on the global electric vehicle (EV) battery market in 2025, with its top six manufacturers now controlling nearly 69% of all installations worldwide. New data from SNE Research reveals a booming market where global EV battery installations jumped over 35% compared to last year. This dominance by Chinese firms like CATL and BYD is reshaping the electrification landscape, underscoring their critical role in driving the world towards cleaner transportation. This shift highlights the growing importance of electric cars in reducing carbon emissions and offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil-fuel vehicles.
In 2025, China firmly cemented its position as the leader in the global electric vehicle battery market. According to SNE Research, six major Chinese battery makers accounted for 68.9% of all EV battery installations worldwide from January to October. This represents a substantial increase from the previous year, with their combined capacity reaching 644.4 GWh. The overall market for EV batteries saw a remarkable 35.2% year-over-year growth, driven by more people choosing battery-powered cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. This boom in electric vehicles is vital, as they produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to clean up our air and tackle climate change far better than fossil-fuel cars.
Leading the charge are giants like CATL and BYD. CATL maintained its top spot, installing 355.2 GWh of batteries and claiming 38.1% of the global market. They power popular Chinese brands and global players such as Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. BYD, ranking second, installed 157.9 GWh, showing strong growth both in China and internationally, with overseas sales nearly quadrupling in November. Other Chinese companies like CALB, Gotion High-Tech, EVE Energy, and SVOLT are also making significant strides, collectively shaping global supply and pricing power.
While Chinese companies thrive, their counterparts in South Korea and Japan are facing mounting pressure. South Korean suppliers like LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI saw their combined market share shrink. LG Energy Solution, despite staying in third place globally, experienced a dip in market share partly due to Tesla's shift to different battery types. Similarly, Samsung SDI’s share decreased as Rivian opted for other battery suppliers. These shifts highlight the dynamic and competitive nature of the EV battery industry. Meanwhile, Panasonic is working to diversify its customer base beyond Tesla and boost efficiency in its North American factories.
As the EV market continues to expand, battery makers are increasingly focusing on regional strategies. North American automakers are securing long-term deals and boosting local production to meet U.S. policy requirements. In Europe, car manufacturers are striving to reduce reliance on imported Asian batteries by focusing on local assembly and sourcing. Asian suppliers, on the other hand, are innovating with advanced battery technologies and expanding partnerships to reach more global customers. This strategic regional approach is becoming key to staying competitive.
The global push for electric vehicles, powered by these battery advancements, is having a real impact on environmental efforts. For instance, the surge in EV adoption is helping to reduce carbon emissions. A recent CarbonBrief report indicates that China's CO2 emissions have stabilized over the past 18 months, with transport fuel emissions falling as more drivers choose EVs over gasoline and diesel cars. This demonstrates how electric cars are not just a trend but a crucial component in achieving a cleaner energy future, significantly cutting down the pollution that fossil fuels produce.