Data from automotive blogger “嗨大星_ECC” shows that from 2021 to 2025, China’s EV battery market underwent major changes:
- LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries rose from 51.7% to 81.2% market share
- Ternary lithium batteries fell from 48.1% to 18.7%
Globally, the trend is similar: in H1 2025, total EV battery installations reached 465.9 GWh, with LFP accounting for 256.6 GWh (55.1%, +64% YoY).
Technological Advances
Ternary lithium batteries historically offer high energy density, but LFP is catching up:
- BYD Blade Battery: long-cell + flat design, 50% higher volumetric utilization
- CATL Shenxing Ultra-Fast Battery: new cathode + fast-ion ring + highly conductive electrolyte, 10-min charge, 400 km range
- Gotion JTM Tech: integrated cells into pack, 75% volume utilization
- SVOLT Short Blade: L-shaped tabs improve current path, enabling high-rate charge/discharge
CATL’s 4th-generation LFP leads in energy density, lifespan, and power; 5th generation is already mass-produced.
Market Forces
Cost and safety drive LFP adoption:
- Cost: LFP 350–450 RMB/kWh vs ternary 500–600 RMB/kWh
- Material stability: cobalt/nickel-free, less price fluctuation
- Safety: decomposition temperature 800°C, far above ternary chemistry
Geely’s Shendun Jinbrick battery passed “full vehicle + pack” extreme tests with zero fire or explosion.
The Future of Ternary Lithium
Ternary lithium batteries are shifting strategically:
- Solid-state and semi-solid batteries: high-nickel ternary + solid electrolyte, energy density 360–400Wh/kg
- Emerging markets: humanoid robots and eVTOLs need lightweight, high-density energy solutions
- Overseas market: European premium EVs still use high-nickel ternary batteries, market share >50%
Conclusion: The EV battery market is evolving into a layered, diversified ecosystem. LFP thrives due to cost, safety, and tech advances, while ternary batteries maintain a niche in high-end and emerging sectors.
