EV Batteries and Charging: LFP, Solid-State, CATL, LG — 2026-10-14
CATL and Changan moved solid-state batteries closer to industrial scale with a 1,500-kilometer-range cell target and 75 GWh of planned battery lines, while Korean makers split between solid-state timing and ESS-driven earnings. Gotion High-Tech set a commissioning date for its $1.3 billion Morocco gigafactory, and CATL kept its lead in global EV battery installations at 844.2 GWh.
EV Batteries and Charging: LFP, Solid-State, CATL, LG — 2026-10-14
Top developments
CATL and Changan tie solid-state cells to 75 GWh capacity
On October 14, CarNewsChina reported that Changan and CATL expanded their Times Changan joint venture and committed to work on solid-state batteries and sodium-ion cells, including 1,500-kilometer-range solid-state cells and 75 GWh of battery lines. The pairing puts a major Chinese automaker and a leading battery maker on a concrete capacity target, raising the stakes for solid-state commercialization beyond lab samples.
Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution split on solid-state timing
On October 13, FNTimes said Samsung SDI is targeting 2027 mass production to seize premium solid-state demand, while LG Energy Solution is planning 2029 electric-vehicle and 2030 robot solid-state commercialization to protect profitability. The divergence matters because Korean makers are betting on different application windows rather than chasing a single universal timeline.
ESS lifts LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI while SK On faces losses
On October 12, Electronic Times said LG Energy Solution posted a quarterly maximum revenue helped by North America ESS shipments, and Samsung SDI was expected to beat market expectations on ESS growth. Pinpoint News added that LG Energy Solution’s operating profit was expected to rise sharply on higher revenue and utilization, Samsung SDI was forecast to return to black, while SK On was seen as posting a loss. ESS is becoming the earnings cushion for Korean battery makers, changing the mix between EV cells and grid-storage products.
Gotion sets Morocco gigafactory commissioning for week of October 20
Business Insider Africa reported on October 13 that China’s Gotion High-Tech plans to commission equipment at its $1.3 billion Moroccan battery plant during the week of October 20, targeting Africa, Europe and the United States. The milestone gives a concrete date for Africa’s first battery gigafactory and signals Chinese battery capacity moving closer to Western supply chains.
CATL keeps global EV battery scale lead as installations hit 844.2 GWh
GreentechLead reported on October 13 that CATL remained the world’s largest EV battery supplier in 2026 ahead of BYD and LG Energy Solution, with global installations reaching 844.2 GWh. The scale underscores why CATL’s LFP and fast-charging product launches matter for global cost curves and automaker sourcing.
Local view
Chinese industry posts on Sina Weibo framed the week around solid-state acceleration, saying Chery, BYD and SAIC are pushing solid-state vehicle programs and that multiple automakers have started 2026 equipment procurement.
Korean outlets focused on strategy and earnings: FNTimes described Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution as taking divergent solid-state paths, while News1 said LG Energy Solution completed a sodium-ion ESS pilot line at Ochang and will run customer sample tests in the first half of next year, citing cost competitiveness and easier low-temperature charging.
Herald Economic said the three Korean battery makers are benefiting from ESS demand and automaker compensation payments, supporting third-quarter profitability expectations.
Context & numbers
- Global EV battery installations reached 844.2 GWh in 2026 reporting, with CATL ahead of BYD and LG Energy Solution.
- Hyundai’s $26 billion U.S. plan and Toyota’s battery plant were listed among major 2026 EV/battery factory investments, as automakers expand selectively.
- Europe and the United States are expanding EV battery manufacturing through multibillion-dollar factories and automaker partnerships.
- LFP market momentum is tied to CATL’s second-generation Shenxing fast-charging battery, introduced in August 2025 and targeting up to 1,000 kilometers of driving range.
- Korean battery makers are leaning on ESS: LG Energy Solution posted a quarterly maximum revenue on North America ESS shipments, while Samsung SDI’s ESS growth supported positive earnings expectations.
On the radar
- Watch Gotion’s Morocco gigafactory equipment commissioning during the week of October 20, with the plant targeting Africa, Europe and the United States.
- Track LG Energy Solution’s sodium-ion ESS pilot line, which is set for customer sample tests in the first half of next year.
- Follow Samsung SDI’s 2027 solid-state mass-production target and LG Energy Solution’s 2029 EV and 2030 robot solid-state commercialization plans.
- Monitor whether Changan-CATL’s 75 GWh battery-line plan and 1,500-kilometer solid-state cell target translate into further equipment and material orders.
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