After more than a decade of declines, volume-weighted average prices for lithium-ion battery packs across all sectors have increased to $151/kWh in 2022, a 7% rise from last year in real terms.
How have lithium-ion battery prices changed over the last 10 years?
Lithium prices, for example, have plummeted nearly 90% since the late 2022 peak, leading to mine closures and impacting the price of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs. This graphic uses exclusive data from our partner Benchmark Mineral Intelligence to show the evolution of lithium-ion battery prices over the last 10 years.
The cost of raw materials, particularly lithium carbonate, plays a significant role in the pricing of lithium-ion batteries. The recent decrease in lithium prices has been a major factor in lowering battery costs. As lithium is a key component in these batteries, fluctuations in its price directly impact the overall cost of battery production.
Currently, 54% of the cell price comes from the cathode, 18% from the anode, and 28% from other components. The average price of lithium-ion battery cells dropped from $290 per kilowatt-hour in 2014 to $103 in 2023. In the coming months, prices are expected to drop further due to oversupply from China.
The price of lithium-ion batteries has been on a downward trend, reaching a record low of $139 per kWh in 2023 and continuing to decrease into 2024. The reduction in lithium prices, increased production capacity, and technological advancements have all contributed to this trend.
Why did Lithium prices rise in 2017?
However, from 2015 onwards, prices began to soar, driven by the booming EV market and increased demand for renewable energy storage solutions. By 2017, lithium prices had tripled compared to their 2015 levels. This spike was primarily due to the rapid expansion of China's EV market and increased lithium mining and production investments.
How does competition affect the price of lithium-ion batteries?
This competition often results in price reductions as companies strive to offer more attractive pricing to gain market share. The price of lithium-ion batteries has been on a downward trend, reaching a record low of $139 per kWh in 2023 and continuing to decrease into 2024.