The global market for Lithium-ion batteries is expanding rapidly. We take a closer look at new value chain solutions that can help meet the growing demand.
The future of lithium-ion batteries, including threats and opportunities, and recycling potential. Analysis of existing and potential end-uses including consumer electronics demand, glass/ceramics and other non-battery end-use evolution. Supporting demand data to 2040 on lithium demand by end-use and lithium EV demand by region.
Automotive lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery demand increased by about 65% to 550 GWh in 2022, from about 330 GWh in 2021, primarily as a result of growth in electric passenger car sales, with new registrations increasing by 55% in 2022 relative to 2021.
But a 2022 analysis by the McKinsey Battery Insights team projects that the entire lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery chain, from mining through recycling, could grow by over 30 percent annually from 2022 to 2030, when it would reach a value of more than $400 billion and a market size of 4.7 TWh. 1
In 2023, IEA’s report showed that battery demand for lithium reached around 140 kt, accounting for 85% of total lithium demand, while cobalt demand for batteries rose by 15% to 150 kt, representing 70% of the total demand. Battery demand for nickel also surged to nearly 370 kt, up almost 30% from 2022.
In the rest of the world, battery demand growth jumped to more than 70% in 2023 compared to 2022, as a result of increasing EV sales. In China, PHEVs accounted for about one-third of total electric car sales in 2023 and 18% of battery demand, up from one-quarter of total sales in 2022 and 17% of sales in 2021.