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Post: Electric Revolution Gains Momentum: CATL and BYD Slash Battery Prices by Half in 2024
Electric Revolution Gains Momentum: CATL and BYD Slash Battery Prices by Half in 2024. In 2024, CATL and BYD are poised to significantly reduce battery prices by up to 50%, a move that could halve the cost of battery packs by the year’s end compared to prices at the close of 2023. This step is vital for the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, which hinges on three key developments: affordable batteries, quicker charging solutions, and a reliable network of EV charging stations. CATL is streamlining its production and pursuing cost-cutting measures to lower the price of its VDA spec lithium iron phosphate battery cells to around RMB 0.4 per Wh, equivalent to $56.47 per kWh. Consequently, the cost of a 60 kWh battery could drop from $6,776 to approximately $3,388 within a year, offering a significant cost reduction for EV manufacturers. Although this price cut doesn’t reach 50%, it’s noted that further reductions could be in sight, aligning with a prediction by Tony Seba made a decade ago.
VDA battery cells, unlike Tesla’s preferred cylindrical cells, are rectangular prismatic cells designed to a German standard, with CATL planning to supply 173 Ah VDA-spec LFP cells capable of 2.2C fast charging at a reduced cost. Meanwhile, BYD’s battery division, FinDreams, is also pushing for cost reductions to maintain competitive pricing in the market. This comes at a time when the supply of batteries has shifted from scarcity to surplus, raising questions about the sustainability of pricing below 0.4 RMB per Wh.
The broader implications for the EV revolution are significant, especially amid concerns about the slow transition to electric vehicles, influenced by regulatory backpedaling and automaker hesitance. Despite predictions of falling EV prices due to cheaper batteries, market prices have remained high, challenging consumer faith in the EV transition. Moreover, the competitive landscape is being reshaped by low-cost Chinese EVs, raising concerns among American manufacturers about market disruption.
Electric Revolution Gains Momentum: CATL and BYD Slash Battery Prices by Half in 2024
The decrease in battery costs signals a positive turn for the EV market, potentially accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, particularly in China and Asia, followed by Europe. However, the impact in the U.S. may be tempered by trade barriers against Chinese-made batteries. While lower battery prices, faster charging, and improvements in charging infrastructure are key to advancing the EV transition, the journey toward widespread adoption still faces challenges. Nevertheless, these developments offer a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing debate and skepticism surrounding the future of electric vehicles.
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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)
