EVs Average 65.4 kWh Battery Capacity in H1 2026, Up 29.3% YoY

In the first half of 2026, the average battery capacity per new energy vehicle (NEV) reached 65.4 kWh, up 29.3% year-over-year and hitting a new high in recent years. Previously, from 2022 to 2024, this figure remained relatively stable within the range of 46–47 kWh; it rose to 53.1 kWh in 2025. Meanwhile, total installed capacity of power batteries across the market continued to climb—reaching 303.8 GWh for the full year of 2022 and increasing to 714.4 GWh in 2025. In the first half of 2026 alone, installed capacity totaled 332.2 GWh, a 14.8% year-over-year increase. Key drivers behind the rising battery capacity include the growing popularity of long-range vehicle variants, a declining share of short-range models with ranges under 500 km, the concentrated launch of new vehicles featuring 800V high-voltage platforms and large-capacity batteries for extended range, and an increased sales proportion of larger vehicles—such as midsize sedans and large SUVs—that require bigger battery packs. The widespread adoption of high-capacity batteries has also led to higher costs, pushing up overall vehicle prices. Looking ahead, as charging infrastructure improves and fast-charging technologies become more prevalent, the market may diverge: some consumers will likely favor vehicles with large-capacity batteries, while others may opt for models with smaller or medium-sized batteries paired with ultra-fast charging solutions.