The global battery market is projected to experience significant growth in 2026, with shipments expected to reach 2400–2600 GWh. Power batteries and energy storage batteries are the two main drivers of this market growth, particularly driven by strong demand in China and Europe. Major manufacturers are accelerating their deployment of solid-state batteries and energy storage systems.
Meanwhile, the two-wheeler battery market is also maintaining steady expansion. Benefiting from the rapid popularization of short-distance urban travel, the increasing penetration rate of electric motorcycles and electric bicycles, and the strong demand for battery swapping and long-life batteries in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa, it has become an indispensable growth engine in the battery industry chain.
Strong Growth Outlook for the Battery Industry in 2026
According to multiple market research reports, global battery shipments (including power batteries and energy storage batteries) are expected to reach between 2,400 and 2,600 GWh in 2026, representing a 20% to 30% increase compared to 2025. This trend is consistent across various institutions’ forecasts, indicating that the battery industry is in a period of rapid growth.
Power Batteries: Core Driving Force and Market Expectations
The robust growth of power batteries will be one of the main drivers of the battery market in 2026. In the Chinese market, the average battery capacity per electric vehicle continues to increase, and the widespread adoption of high-voltage fast charging and range-extended/plug-in hybrid batteries is expected to drive growth to 15%-20%.
In Europe, with the implementation of new carbon emission regulations, a large-scale rush to install batteries will push growth to over 30%, rapidly changing previous pessimistic expectations.
Furthermore, emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Latin America are also experiencing rapid growth due to their low base, continuously contributing to market growth. These factors have led to an upward revision of early growth expectations for power batteries from 15%-18% to over 20%.
Energy Storage Batteries: Growth Potential Beyond Expectations
Energy storage batteries have also shown stronger-than-expected growth momentum. China’s policy of requiring energy storage in new energy sources is driving demand, while improved business models and the implementation of large-scale projects are further solidifying this trend.
In the United States, despite tariff disruptions, strong support from ITC tax rebates and grid demand ensured continued growth.
In Europe and other emerging markets, driven by energy security and carbon neutrality goals, growth has more than doubled. In particular, the growth rate of energy storage is expected to be significantly revised upwards from the initial 20%-25% to 30%-40%, representing the biggest surprise in the industry.
Forward-Looking Strategies of Leading Battery Companies
Against this backdrop, major battery manufacturers have formulated clear development strategies. Sunwoda plans to launch its first-generation all-solid-state battery in 2026, actively expanding its consumer battery business for VR/AR and service robots. EVE Energy continues to focus on cylindrical and solid-state batteries, aiming to achieve a breakthrough of 100MWh annual production capacity at its Chengdu base.
Hithium Energy Storage will focus on innovation in the first phase of its long-duration energy storage industrial park project, striving to achieve production in the second quarter of 2026. CATL will further expand its production capacity, launch a new generation of power battery products, and promote the mass production of sodium-ion batteries.
Conclusion
The booming development of the global battery market in 2026 will not only depend on technological advancements but also require proactive strategic planning from major manufacturers and policy support. The dual-engine drive of power batteries and energy storage batteries will continue to propel the entire industry forward.
Meanwhile, with the upgrading of battery applications in two-wheeled vehicles, the construction of battery swap cabinets and stations is accelerating, becoming a crucial force in promoting the improvement of the electrification ecosystem. The convergence of these multiple factors will lay a more solid industrial foundation for sustainable development.
