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Sodium-ion battery momentum grows, but challenges remain
…BYD, the second largest producer, began construction of its first sodium-ion battery plant in January 2024, targeting applications in electric vehicles, grid-scale storage and industry. Hina, a smaller Chinese battery manufacturer and the first to power an electric vehicle using sodium‑ion batteries, also released an advanced sodium‑ion battery designed for electric cars last year.These investments are driven primarily by the goals of improving battery performance in cold climates and reducing exposure to lithium‑price volatility. Sodium‑ion batteries exhibit significantly better low‑temperature performance than lithium‑ion batteries, particularly lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries. The latest generation of sodium-ion batteries…
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Global battery markets are growing strongly – and so are the supply risks
…and expanding applications continue to drive rapid growth of demand for batteries across sectors. Battery uptake is expanding around the world amid falling costs Global lithium-ion battery deployment in 2025 was six times as high as in 2020. Electric vehicles remain the dominant driver of demand, with global sales reaching a new record and accounting for one-in-four cars sold globally. Electric vehicles account for more than 70% of total lithium-ion battery deployment. This is followed by battery energy storage at over 15%, reflecting the growing role of batteries in providing flexibility in power systems.The situation…
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Copper prices have hit record highs, but smelters face mounting strategic pressures
…sector is showing increasing signs of stress, amid a surge in smelter capacity additions in China. Copper is set to face a major supply deficit of 30% by 2035 Copper – a highly conductive metal that is resistant to corrosion – is at the heart of a more electrified energy system. As the world enters an Age of Electricity, strong demand growth for copper is anticipated from a wide variety of sources, including grids, electric vehicles, construction, industry and data centres. However, despite the robust demand growth outlook, there are major challenges in increasing copper supply. Based on the current project pipeline…
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The energy crisis creates even stronger impetus for EU electrification
…costs, and baseline energy prices. Countries with higher heating requirements and higher vehicle mileages see electrical technologies become competitive at higher price ratios, because the upfront costs of electrical technologies are offset by their lower operating costs if they have higher utilisation rates. Electric vehicles and high-temperature industrial heat need lower price ratios (usually between 1 and 2) to become cost-competitive compared with buildings and low-temperature industrial heat (usually between 2 and 3.5).Achieving cost parity alone is insufficient to drive uptake of electrical technologies. High upfront costs discourage investment in electrification across all sectors. Buildings…
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How accelerating electrification could strengthen energy security in Southeast Asia
…For oil, imports are projected to account for around 80% of demand by 2035 based on current policy settings. Electrification can be a critical pillar of strategies to meet the region’s rising energy demand while mitigating these energy security risks. Efficient electric technologies, such as electric motors, heat pumps and electric vehicles, can deliver the same services while consuming less energy than fossil fuel-based alternatives. Shifting final energy consumption towards electricity generated from domestic and low-emissions sources can also reduce dependence on imported fuels, strengthen system resilience and reduce emissions.Electrification is already shaping energy trends across…
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Canada is set to play a leading role in supplying the world with responsibly produced critical minerals
…expenditure. Large urban cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are also recognised as global hubs for mining and mineral exploration, financing and corporate services. The manufacturing of technologies that use critical minerals is gaining momentum, but challenges remain The IEA’s Review found that Canada also has the strong potential to grow its manufacturing base for renewable energy technologies, batteries and battery components, and other strategic applications, underpinned by its abundant low-emissions power and critical mineral resources. Since 2020, Canada has attracted large-scale investments in electric vehicle and battery supply chains from a range of foreign companies, inc...
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Close to 30% of cars sold this year are set to be electric as countries and consumers respond to energy crisis
…EVs in 2025, with record sales in nearly 100 countries, and potential for current crisis to lead to further growth in key markets After strong growth last year, global electric car sales are expected to rise again in 2026, reaching 23 million and accounting for close to 30% of all cars sold worldwide, according to the new edition of the IEA’s annual Global EV Outlook.The report, out today, examines key market and policy trends related to the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, as well as the implications of growing EV adoption for electricity, oil and emissions. Amid the…
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Global EV Outlook 2026 Webinar (morning session)
Background information The Global EV Outlook is an annual publication that identifies and assesses recent developments in electric mobility across the globe. Combining analysis of historical data with projections, the report examines key areas of interest, such as the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, battery demand, and key policy developments in major and emerging markets. It also considers the implications of growing EV adoption for electricity and oil consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Amid the ongoing energy crisis sparked by the conflict in the Middle East, this edition includes early monthly data for 2026 and considers potential implications…
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Global EV Outlook 2026 Webinar (evening session)
Background information The Global EV Outlook is an annual publication that identifies and assesses recent developments in electric mobility across the globe. Combining analysis of historical data with projections, the report examines key areas of interest, such as the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, battery demand, and key policy developments in major and emerging markets. It also considers the implications of growing EV adoption for electricity and oil consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Amid the ongoing energy crisis sparked by the conflict in the Middle East, this edition includes early monthly data for 2026 and considers potential implications…
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Global EV Outlook 2026
Background information The Global EV Outlook is an annual publication that identifies and assesses recent developments in electric mobility across the globe.Combining analysis of historical data with projections, the report examines key areas of interest, such as the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, battery demand, and key policy developments in major and emerging EV markets. It also considers the implications of growing EV adoption for electricity and oil consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.Amid the ongoing energy crisis sparked by the conflict in the Middle East, this edition includes early monthly data for 2026 and…