Where will lithium-ion battery prices go in 2025?

The rapid decrease in lithium ion battery prices seen in previous years is likely to be slowed down in 2025 due to an uptick in battery material costs. These will in turn be partly offset by falling manufacturing costs propelled by economy of scale and efficiency gains, resulting in a flatter price trajectory.
According to Taipei-based intelligence provider TrendForce, the prolonged decline in the prices of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) batteries already showed signs of easing in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Overall, the price drop for lithium-ion battery cells in 2024 was greater compared with that seen in battery metal prices, indicating that margins for battery manufacturers were being squeezed. Therefore, suppliers are expected to push for price increases to mitigate losses with global demand for EVs and energy storage expected to grow in 2025.
“This is anticipated to support the prices of key battery materials—such as [lithium iron phosphate] LFP, li-ion battery copper foil, and electrolytes—thereby stabilizing average battery cell prices in the first quarter of 2025,” TrendForce says.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Chinese EV market is expected to benefit from government policies such as vehicle trade-in incentives, driving an estimated 30% year-on-year increase in sales. This optimistic demand outlook is projected to stabilize battery material costs, with January prices for EV batteries expected to remain close to December levels, TrendForce says.
Meanwhile, entering the traditional off-season for energy storage in the first quarter of 2025, many battery makers are likely to reduce production. According to TrendForce, combined with relatively stable material costs, ESS battery prices in January are forecast to remain steady.
The analysts highlight that the decline in prices for most battery materials has largely plateaued, with limited room for further reduction. Materials such as LFP, li-ion battery copper foil, and electrolytes, which have caused sustained losses for suppliers, saw slight price rebounds in December 2024. In near feature, rising raw material costs will call for greater efforts to control overall production expenses, TrendForce says.
Amid intense competition, manufacturers in the ESS battery market have shifted focus to advancing technology and enhancing production processes. Some companies have already introduced ultra-large-capacity battery storage cells exceeding 500 Ah, which are expected to gradually enter the market in 2025.
