Competition with Korean Companies Likely to Heat Up
CATL’s plant in Erfurt, Germany, its first overseas plant, started its operation. Competition is likely to further intensify between the world’s largest and South Korean EV battery manufacturers. The plant in Germany has an annual production capacity of 14 GWh, equivalent to 280,000 cars.
CATL’s products for Mercedes-Benz and BMW will be supplied from the plant. CATL is planning to open its second overseas plant (100 GWh) in Hungary in 2027 for supply to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and Stellantis, which are major clients for the South Korean companies, that is, LG Energy Solution, SK On and Samsung SDI.
According to global consulting firm Kearney, the global share of North America and Europe in terms of EV battery production was 2 percent in 2021 and is estimated to reach 18 percent in 2026 and that of China is expected to increase from 54 percent to 58 percent in that period. It also said that the ratio of production in South Korea and Japan would fall from 44 percent to 24 percent, which means more investments are to come in North America and Europe.
“The three South Korean companies are expected to retain their leading position in North America but the same cannot be guaranteed when it comes to the European market,” said an expert.