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From Jan to Mar 2025, Global[1] EV Battery Usage[2] Posted 221.8GWh, a 38.8% YoY Growth

- From Jan to Mar 2025, K-trio’s M/S recorded 18.7%

From Jan to Mar 2025, the amount of energy held by batteries for electric vehicles (EV, PHEV, HEV) registered worldwide was approximately 221.8GWh, a 38.8% YoY growth.

(Source: 2025 Apr Global Monthly EV and Battery Monthly Tracker, SNE Research)

The combined market shares of LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI in global EV battery usage from January to March 2025 recorded 18.7%, a 4.6%p decline from the same period of last year. LG Energy Solution remained 3rd on the list with 15.1% (23.8GWh) YoY growth, while SK On ranked 4th with 35.6% (10.5GWh) growth. On the other hand, Samsung SDI posted 17.2% (7.3GWh) degrowth. The downward trend in Samsung SDI’s battery usage was mainly caused by a decline in demand for batteries from major car OEMs in Europe and North America.

(Source: 2025 Apr Global Monthly EV and Battery Monthly Tracker, SNE Research)

If we look at the usage of battery made by the K-trio in terms of the sales volume of models, Samsung SDI’s battery was mainly used in BMW, followed by Audi and Rivian. BMW recorded steady sales of models equipped with Samsung SDI’s battery such as i4, i5, and iX. However, the launch of standard-range trims for Rivian’s R1S and R1T, equipped with LFP batteries made by a battery maker other than Samsung SDI, had a negative impact on Samsung SDI’s battery usage. Audi also saw a decline in the sales of Q8 e-Tron, resulting in a negative growth in the usage of Samsung SDI’s battery.

SK On’s battery was mainly installed in EV models made by Hyundai Motor Group, followed by Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Hyundai Motor Group saw a recovery in sales after the facelifted versions of IONIQ 5 and EV6 were released. Mercedes-Benz saw favorable sales of compact SUVs EQA and EQB, to which SK On’s battery is installed, maintaining a stable performance similar to the same period of last year. Along with this, strong sales of VW ID.7 and ID.4 had a positive impact on the growth of battery usage made by SK On.

LG Energy Solution’s battery was mainly installed in EV models made by Tesla, followed by Kia, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet. In the case of Tesla, weak sales of models equipped with LG Energy Solution’s battery led to a 17.3% decrease in battery usage. Meanwhile, total usage posted 15.1% growth, driven by strong sales of Volkswagen’s ID series, Kia’s EV3, and expanded sales of Chevrolet’s Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs built on the Ultium platform.

Panasonic, which mainly supplies batteries to Tesla, recorded 7.2GWh in battery usage and ranked 8th on the list. Given its high dependence on Tesla, the decline in Tesla’s sales this year—driven by lower demand for Model 3 and Y—was the main reason behind Panasonic’s decreased battery usage. However, Panasonic is expected to quickly recover its battery usage in North America, centered around Tesla, with the release of improved 2170 and 4680 cells.

China’s CATL maintained its solid position as the global No.1 battery maker, posting 40.2% (84.9GWh) YoY growth. In addition to key OEMs such as ZEEKR, AITO, Li Auto, and Xiaomi adopting CATL’s batteries, many global major OEMs including Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen are also using CATL’s batteries.

BYD ranked 2nd on the list with 62.0% (37.0GWh) growth rate. BYD, which manufactures both batteries and electric vehicles (BEV+PHEV) in-house, is gaining significant popularity by introducing a wide range of EVs based on its strong price competitiveness. In 2024, BYD’s EV sales reached approximately 4 million units, and the company aims to sell around 6 million units in 2025, continuing its growth momentum. In particular, BYD is expanding beyond the Chinese domestic market into Asia, including South Korea, and Europe, rapidly securing overseas M/S.

 (Source: 2025 Apr Global Monthly EV and Battery Monthly Tracker, SNE Research)

After Trump’s re-election, the U.S. has officially implemented strong tariff policies on Chinese batteries and raw materials, reigniting tension across the global supply chain. In response, Korean battery companies are expanding joint ventures with local OEMs and reinforcing their strategy to increase the share of production in the U.S. in order to secure continued eligibility for incentives in the North American market. However, given the industry’s high dependence on Chinese materials, mid- to long-term efforts to restructure the supply chain and diversify raw material sourcing have become urgent. Ultimately, the Korean battery industry must seek new growth strategies amid a complex environment shaped by intensified U.S. protectionism, stricter environmental regulations in Europe, and rising price pressure from China.

[2] Based on battery installation for xEV registered during the relevant period.