For some, this study by South Korean analyst firm SNE Research will only open the door, but it will surely provide a better understanding the gulf that separates Asia from Europe or the US in the production of batteries for electric cars.

And even though Europe and the US have recently taken steps to “better control their supply chain”, during the first three months of 2023, the dominance of the Asian continent only increased.

SNE Research reports that in the first three months of the year world production reached 133 GWhwhich is 38.6% more compared to the corresponding period of 2022.

Growth rates are slightly lower than in the past, but the sector is still thriving, led by the Chinese giants.

CATL is still in the lead

In this first quarter of 2023, the number one battery manufacturer in the world is still held by CATL. The company produced 46.6 GWh of batteries.

Behind, in second position, we find BYD with 21.5 GWh, and LG Energy Solution completes the podium with 19.3 GWh.

1. CATL: 46.6 GWh and 35% market share
2. BYD: 21.5 GWh and 16.2%
3. LG Energy Solution: 19.3 GW/h and 14.5%
4. Panasonic: 11.9 GWh and 9%
5. SK On: 7.1 GWh and 5.3%
6. Samsung SDI: 6.5 GWh and 4.9%
7. CALB: 5.7 GWh and 4.3%
8. Gouxuan: 2.9 GWh and 2.2%
9. EVE: 2.4 GWh and 1.8%
10. Sunwoda: 1.9 GWh and 1.4%

Ultra-dominant China

In addition to output in absolute values, BYD showed the strongest growth in the first months of the year, +115%. The company has strengthened its dominance in China in the sector: 6 of the 10 leading companies are located in the Middle Kingdom. All Chinese companies are concentrating on their own more than 60% of world production.

South Korea is in second place with 24.7%. The country lost 1.3% compared to last year, but can count on good performance from SK Innovation (+5.1%) and especially LGES (+37.5%) and Samsung SDI (52.9%).