What is the global market for lithium-ion batteries?

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.

How big will lithium-ion batteries be in 2022?

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

Do battery demand forecasts underestimate the market size?

Just as analysts tend to underestimate the amount of energy generated from renewable sources, battery demand forecasts typically underestimate the market size and are regularly corrected upwards.

What is the global demand for Li-ion batteries?

Global demand for Li-ion batteries is expected to soar over the next decade, with the number of GWh required increasing from about 700 GWh in 2022 to around 4.7 TWh by 2030 (Exhibit 1).

How many battery factories will be built in 2022?

In total, at least 120 to 150 new battery factories will need to be built between now and 2030 globally. In line with the surging demand for Li-ion batteries across industries, we project that revenues along the entire value chain will increase 5-fold, from about $85 billion in 2022 to over $400 billion in 2030 (Exhibit 2).

Why is global demand for batteries increasing?

This work is independent, reflects the views of the authors, and has not been commissioned by any business, government, or other institution. Global demand for batteries is increasing, driven largely by the imperative to reduce climate change through electrification of mobility and the broader energy transition.