Lithium-ion (Li-ion) EV battery prices have decreased dramatically over the past few years, mainly due to the fall in prices of critical battery metals: Lithium, cobalt and nickel. For example, the price of cobalt has fallen from roughly $70,000 per metric ton in 2022 to about $30,000 in 2024.
How much demand for lithium-ion batteries in 2024?
That is more than 2.5 times annual demand for lithium-ion batteries in 2024, according to BNEF. “The price drop for battery cells this year was greater compared with that seen in battery metal prices, indicating that margins for battery manufacturers are being squeezed.
Will lithium-ion battery prices decline over the next decade?
Further price declines are expected over the next decade. Battery prices saw their biggest annual drop since 2017, with lithium-ion battery pack prices down by 20% from 2023 to a record low of $115/kWh, according to analysis by BloombergNEF (BNEF).
Similarly, the price for lithium carbonate has fallen from a high of approximately $70,000 per metric ton to well below $15,000 in 2024. This article focuses primarily on two of the most sought-after Li-ion battery cathode chemistries in the automotive industry today — NCM811 and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Why are batteries so expensive?
In part, that's because the raw materials used to make batteries, particularly lithium, are getting much more expensive. The rising price of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel could actually reverse the downward trend in battery prices.
Why are EV battery prices falling?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) EV battery prices have decreased dramatically over the past few years, mainly due to the fall in prices of critical battery metals: Lithium, cobalt and nickel. For example, the price of cobalt has fallen from roughly $70,000 per metric ton in 2022 to about $30,000 in 2024.
Could rising battery prices reverse the downward trend?
The rising price of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel could actually reverse the downward trend in battery prices. BYD, the second-largest battery maker in China, announced a 20% price increase for its batteries in November, citing the limited supply of raw materials.