Lithium Battery Demand Surges 51% YoY in Jan–Apr 2026, Driven by Energy Storage and Exports

From January to April 2026, total demand across the lithium battery industry reached 67,120 GWh, up 51% year-over-year. Of this, demand related to new energy vehicles (NEVs) amounted to 49,430 GWh, an increase of 41% year-over-year—though this growth rate has slowed compared to previous years. Meanwhile, demand from energy storage and other sectors reached 17,690 GWh, surging 90% year-over-year, with April alone seeing a remarkable 196% year-over-year growth. The share of NEV-related demand in total industry demand declined from 83% in 2025 to 74%, while the share of energy storage demand rose from 17% to 26%. The industry’s growth momentum has thus shifted from being driven primarily by NEVs to being propelled by a dual engine of energy storage and exports.