EV Batteries and Charging: LFP, Solid-State, CATL, LG — 2026-09-17
CATL has launched direct online sales of its 587 Ah LFP cells at $65/kWh and unveiled the Tectrans II megawatt charging system for commercial vehicles. Meanwhile, Korean battery giants LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI are seeing a surge in ESS orders, with backlogs stretching two years, while BYD confirms its solid-state battery timeline for 2027.
EV Batteries and Charging: LFP, Solid-State, CATL, LG — 2026-09-17
Top developments
CATL Launches Direct Sales of 587 Ah LFP Cells at $65/kWh
On September 15, 2026, CATL began selling its massive 587 Ah LFP cells directly through its "CATL Mall" online platform. Priced at $65 per kWh, these cells are now available alongside the existing 280 Ah and 314 Ah options. This move signals a shift toward democratizing access to high-capacity stationary storage components, potentially accelerating the deployment of grid-scale energy storage systems by reducing procurement friction for smaller integrators.
CATL Unveils Tectrans II for Megawatt Commercial Charging
Also on September 15, during IAA Transportation 2026, CATL introduced the Tectrans II battery system specifically designed for commercial vehicles requiring megawatt-level charging. This system aims to address the downtime issues inherent in heavy-duty EV logistics by enabling ultra-fast replenishment of large battery packs. The launch reinforces CATL’s strategy to dominate the commercial vehicle segment, where charging speed is often more critical to operational efficiency than in the passenger car market.
Korean Battery Makers Report Two-Year ESS Order Backlogs
LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI have reported that their Energy Storage System (ESS) order books are full for approximately two years. This surge is driven by strong demand from AI data centers and grid stabilization projects in North America, coupled with US policies excluding Chinese-made battery equipment from certain infrastructure projects. The backlog highlights a structural shift where Korean manufacturers are pivoting from pure EV focus to a dual-engine model of EV plus ESS, with LG Energy Solution expecting a performance turnaround starting in Q3 2026.
BYD Solid-State Battery Timeline Confirmed for 2027
Recent reports confirm that BYD’s all-solid-state batteries are scheduled for mass production and vehicle integration in 2027. The batteries are claimed to offer a range of over 1,200 km and 10-minute fast charging capabilities. While some Chinese media outlets discuss "2026 as the inaugural year for solid-state," industry analysts clarify that true mass-market adoption begins in 2027, with BYD targeting initial limited volumes before scaling up. This positions BYD alongside Toyota and CATL in the race to commercialize next-generation chemistry.
Local view
China: Chinese media is buzzing about the "price war" extending beyond EVs into battery manufacturing. A prominent article notes that CATL’s stock has dropped 35% recently due to market concerns over slowing growth rates (from 42% in 2023 to an expected 14% in 2026) and intensifying price competition. However, other sources highlight CATL’s continued dominance, with one piece comparing it to "the TSMC of batteries" due to its 37% global market share and robust R&D pipeline. There is also significant discussion around the new national standards for battery safety, with CATL clarifying that "passing factory inspection does not equal long-term qualification," emphasizing the importance of long-cycle durability testing.
South Korea: Korean financial news is focused on the divergence between LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI/SK On regarding North American employment. While LG is expanding hiring to meet ESS demand, SK On and others are adjusting staff levels as they navigate the "chasm" in EV demand. Samsung SDI is receiving positive analyst reviews for its recovery in small-cell and ESS segments, with its stock discount relative to LG Energy Solution reportedly closing due to better-than-expected order visibility.
Context & numbers
- Market Share: In August 2026, CATL held 41.45% of China's power battery market, while BYD held 20.98%. Globally, CATL maintains a dominant lead, with January-April 2026 installations outside China reaching 54.9 GWh (up 36% YoY).
- Pricing: The average global EV battery pack price has fallen to approximately $108/kWh in 2026, driven by LFP cost reductions. CATL’s direct sale of 587 Ah cells at $65/kWh sets a new benchmark for large-format LFP pricing.
- US Market Growth: A new report projects strong growth in the U.S. rechargeable battery market through 2035, driven by IRA-backed domestic manufacturing and clean-tech investment.
On the radar
- UK Gigafactory Stalls: AESC, Chinese-owned supplier for Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover, has shelved expansion plans for its UK gigafactory as JLR negotiations stall, signaling a slowdown in Europe's EV transition momentum.
- Sodium-Ion Differentiation: Korean makers are developing sodium-ion batteries to counter Chinese low-cost LFP pressure. LG Energy Solution plans sample shipments next year, while SK On targets commercialization in 2028, focusing on long-duration ESS and UPS markets.
- Korea ESS Tender: The third round of Korea’s government-led ESS central contract market is imminent, with bidding expected around the Chuseok holiday period. Samsung SDI and SK On are currently leading the previous rounds.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
