Battery materials
Overview
Growth in global electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) production has put a spotlight on battery materials. While lithium-ion batteries dominate the current market, this is a rapidly emerging technology space where improved range or charge times can quicky shift industry sentiment and investment in a different direction.
Argus is at the forefront of battery materials pricing and reporting with coverage of common battery metals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite), industry-grade cathodes and black mass. As experts in specialty metals and rare earths, we future-proof our price assessment portfolio with a range of electronic metals crucial to the manufacture of technology deployed in modern vehicles.
Our Argus Battery Materials and Argus Non-Ferrous Markets services help businesses to understand these complicated supply chains, including price volatility and sustainability challenges around future demand.
Minor metals: Battery metals
As automakers continue to invest in electric vehicle production and power companies explore infrastructure that includes energy storage programmes, the metals contained in lithium-ion batteries supporting these products has attracted interest from investors, institutions and manufacturers alike.
Argus is well positioned to provide insight into price volatility, global supply and responsible material sourcing for all manufacturers and investors in this sector.
Highlights of Argus battery materials coverage
- Understand the context of significant price movements and industry trends with a weekly PDF that highlights the most important market news across lithium, cobalt, graphite, nickel and other common battery materials
- Mitigate risk and perform reliable forward planning with 1-year and 10-year forecasts across different battery metals, chemistries and industries
- Gain a competitive edge with industry-specific tools, such as the Black Mass Calculator that estimates the intrinsic value of different battery chemistries (including cathodes like NCM111, NCM523, LFP, NCA)
- Invest with confidence knowing Argus is IOSCO-compliant with over 50 years of experience delivering trusted price data and market intelligence
Latest battery materials news
Browse the latest market moving news on the global battery materials industry.
HEVs drive Brazil's 1Q EV sales up as BEVs fall
HEVs drive Brazil's 1Q EV sales up as BEVs fall
Sao Paulo, 16 April (Argus) — Total Brazilian electric vehicle (EVs) sales were up in the first quarter, driven by increasing demand for hybrid vehicles (HEVs) as sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) tumbled. Overall EV sales in Brazil grew by almost 40pc in the first three months of the year to 50,074 units, led by HEVs — including plug-ins (PHEVs), non-plug-ins, and mild hybrids (MHEVs) — which saw a 70.5pc surge compared to the same period in 2024, according to Fenabrave, a private body that represents car dealerships in Brazil. EVs made up 12.5pc of the total Brazilian car market, a three percentage point increase year-on-year. PHEVs were the most popular choice for consumers seeking an EV, with 19,530 units sold on the first quarter, up 83.6pc from last year, according to data from the Brazilian electric vehicles' association (ABVE). BEVs accounted for 12,993 units sold, while MHEVs — vehicles with regular engines aided by small batteries that increase fuel efficiency but do not power the wheels — accounted for 10,724 units sold. A total of 7,402 non-plug-in HEVs were sold in the quarter. Although HEV sales rose, BEVs tumbled 8.3pc due to general consumer skepticism about the Brazilian charging infrastructure and increasing popularity of PHEVs because of its above-average fuel efficiency and the possibility of driving on regular fuels, such as gasoline and ethanol. BYD increases market dominance BYD, a Chinese carmaker, further increased its EV market share in Brazil in the first quarter on aggressive discounts for its HEVs. The Chinese brand, which only sells plug-ins and BEVs, offered discounts of over R20,000 ($3,400) per car plus other benefits in excess of R10,000 ($1,700) for their PHEVs. BYD sold around 11,710 PHEV units, more than double from the same period in 2024, and accounted for 31.4pc of the total HEV market in the first quarter, according to Fenabrave. Fiat, which debuted in the EV segment in November and only markets MHEVs, sold 7,400 units, taking second place with a 19.8pc market share in January-March. Great Wall Motors (GWM), another Chinese automaker, closed out the top three with 5,880 units in the period, holding 15.8pc market share. PHEVs are becoming increasingly popular in Brazil even in regions with a solid charging infrastructure, according to ABVE. Major cities such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia — the country's capital — were among the top plug-in buyers due to the possibility of daily driving in electric mode and travelling long ranges on hybrid. BYD's plug-ins can drive for 745 miles on a single tank of gas, on a fully charged battery and loaded tank. All types of EVs in Brazil are eligible for a yearly tax exemption of up to 4pc of the car's value in most states. Although BEV sales were down, BYD still managed to increase its dominant place in the market. The Chinese automaker sold 9,680 EVs in the first three months of the year, more than 75pc of the nearly 12,880 units sold in the period. According to the company, 7 out of 10 BEVs sold in Brazil are from BYD. Volvo followed with almost 1,200 sold EVs and GWM had the third-highest sales figures at just 814. Overall, BYD owns 42.7pc of the total Brazilian EV market, followed by Fiat at 14.8pc and GWM, with a 13.4pc market share. The two Chinese brands both plan to start manufacturing cars in Brazil by year's end. BYD also acquired mining rights for two separate lithium sites in the country in an effort to streamline its whole operation in the country, as it figures as its largest market outside of China. By Pedro Consoli Brazil EV sales units Brand 1Q 2025 1Q 2024 ±% Market share (%) Total EVs (BEVs, HEVs) BYD 21,384 14,920 43.3 42.7 Fiat 7,400 n/a n/a 14.8 GWM 6,693 5,735 16.7 13.4 Toyota 4,277 5,049 -16.2 8.5 Volvo 2,097 1,606 30.5 4.2 Mercedes Benz 1,765 1,166 51.3 3.5 Honda 1,207 567 112.8 2.4 Caoa Chery 1,203 2,105 -42.8 2.4 BMW 911 825 10.4 1.8 Porsche 687 41 1,575.6 1.4 Total (hybrid vehicles, EVs) 50,074 35,872 39.6 100 Electric vehicles (BEVs) BYD 9,678 10,052 -4 75.1 Volvo 1,196 596 101 9.2 GWM 814 1,892 -57 6.3 BMW 219 238 -8 1.7 Renault 176 187 -6 1.3 Porsche 155 41 278.0 1.2 Zeekr 141 n/a n/a 1.0 Mini 124 34 265 1.0 JAC 107 457 77 0.8 Mercedes Benz 38 39 -3 0.3 Total (EVs) 12,877 14,053 -8 100 Hybrid vehicles (HEVs, PHEVs, MHEVs) BYD 11,706 4,868 140.4 31.4 Fiat 7,400 n/a n/a 19.9 GWM 5,879 3,843 52.9 15.8 Toyota 4,277 5,049 -15.2 11.5 Mercedes Benz 1,727 1,127 53.2 4.6 Honda 1,207 567 112.8 3.2 Caoa Chery 1,203 2,105 -42.8 3.2 Volvo 901 1,010 -10.7 2.4 BMW 692 587 17.8 1.9 Jaguar Land Rover 627 816 -23.1 1.7 Total (hybrid vehicles) 37,197 21,819 70.5 100 Does not include all brands sold Source: Fenabrave 1Q Brazil electrified vehicles sales units Brazil EV year-on-year comparison per type units Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Lime, Redwood partner on battery recycling
Lime, Redwood partner on battery recycling
Houston, 15 April (Argus) — US shared micromobility operator Lime entered an exclusive partnership with battery recycler Redwood Materials to recycle end-of-life batteries from electric bikes and scooters. The partnership covers all Lime operations in the US, Germany, and the Netherlands. Financial details for this partnership were not disclosed. Redwood collects 20 GWh/yr of batteries and claims it can recover, on average, 95pc of key battery materials. Lime's global fleet of e-bikes and e-scooters comprises 200,000, offering services in 280 cities globally. As high utilization of shared micromobility accelerates battery wear and shortens battery lifespan, the partnership helps supplement Redwood's feedstock with a steady supply of batteries, before end-of-life electric vehicles become available for recycling. By Carol Luk Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
South Korea's March car output rises, exports dip
South Korea's March car output rises, exports dip
Singapore, 15 April (Argus) — South Korea's automotive output and domestic sales rose in March but exports dipped. The country has agreed to offer a wide range of support measures to offset the impact of the US' sweeping tariffs on its auto industry. The country's auto output in March edged up by 1.5pc on the year to almost 371,000 units, according to South Korea's trade and industry ministry (Motie). Domestic sales rose by 2.4pc on the year to around 149,500 units. Exports in March fell by 2.4pc on the year to almost 241,000 units, with auto export revenue at $6.24bn. The country earlier this month unveiled planned emergency measures to support its automobile industry , in response to the potentially lower export volumes given the US tariffs. The country will cut the special consumption tax on new car purchases, and push its public sector, public institutions and local governments to buy "business vehicles" within the first half of 2025. Domestic eco-friendly vehicle sales rose by 14pc on the year to almost 70,000 units while exports rose by 5.8pc to almost 69,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicles in South Korea refer to hybrids, battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles. Hybrid domestic sales rose by 23pc on the year to about 49,500 units, while domestic BEV sales dipped by 7.5pc to around 18,700 units after rising sharply on the year in February . Hybrid exports were also up by almost 25pc to almost 42,000 units, while BEV exports fell sharply by 25pc on the year to about 20,800 units. By Joseph Ho South Korea's car exports in 2025 (units) South Korea's domestic car sales in 2025 (units) Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
US EV sales up in 1Q, Tesla tumbles
US EV sales up in 1Q, Tesla tumbles
Sao Paulo, 14 April (Argus) — US electric vehicles sales in the first quarter rose despite a considerable decline from market-leader Tesla. US sales of new electric vehicles (EVs) totalled nearly 300,000 in the first quarter of 2025, an 11.4pc increase over the year, according to data from Kelley Blue Book. In total, EV sales accounted for 7.5pc of all car sales in the country, up from 7pc a year earlier. Tesla maintained its position as the top seller, accounting for 128,100 units or 43.5pc of all EVs sold in the first quarter. This is 8.6pc lower than in the same period last year due to an aging line of models, fiercer competition and chief executive Elon Musk's public profile . General Motors, which includes the Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC brands, and the Hyundai Group, which includes Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, closed out the top three at 31,886 and 22,995 units each, respectively. Volvo and Subaru saw their sales grow by the most over the year at 173pc each, followed Toyota Motors at 102pc and GM with a 94pc growth year-over-year. Sales for Mercedes-Benz declined by the most at 58pc, followed by Rivian with 37pc and Hyundai's subsidiary, Kia, at 27pc, — although Kia still sold the ninth-most EVs in the period. Honda and its subsidiary, Acura, and Stellantis brands Jeep and Dodge, debuted in the US EV market in January, with the Japanese brands already establishing themselves well into the top 10, with over 14,000 EV units sold. Sales forecasts for the next quarters are "murky at best" because of President Donald Trump's 25pc auto tariffs and an escalating trade war with China, according to Cox Automotive. Tariffs for Chinese lithium battery packs are currently set at 173pc, which hurts the supply chain for several carmarkers. The Hyundai Group is one EV maker that could see an increase in sales and market share, since the company is also building an EV battery cell production facility in the US, helping it in part to work around Trump's auto and "reciprocal" tariffs. Serving Kia, Genesis and Hyundai itself, the plant, located in Bartow County, Georgia, is slated to begin production later this year and will support the production of 300,000 EVs/yr. In late March, the group also opened an EV assembly factory in Georgia with a 500,000-unit yearly production capacity, encompassing both hybrid and electric vehicles and currently making Hyundai's Ioniqs 5 and 9. Ford, Stellantis and the Toyota and Honda Groups will also open battery-making plants in the US this year and could also have a less tariff-exposed US operation. By Pedro Consoli US electric vehicle (EV) sales units Brand 1Q 2025 1Q 2024 ± openin Tesla 128,100 140,187 -12,087 -8.6 General Motors (Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC) 31,886 16,425 15,461 94.1 Hyundai Group (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis) 22,995 24,611 -1,616 -6.6 Ford 22,550 20,223 2,327 11.5 Volkswagen Group (VW, Porsche, Audi) 19,827 13,128 6,699 51.0 Honda Motors (Honda, Acura) 14,374 0 14,374 na BMW Group (BMW, Mini) 14,234 11,536 2,698 23.4 Rivian 8,553 13,588 -5,035 -37.1 Toyota Motor (Toyota, Lexus) 7,063 3,500 3,563 101.8 Nissan 6,471 5,284 1,187 22.5 Additional unspecified EV models 5,930 6,764 -834 -12.3 Stellantis (Dodge, Jeep) 4,542 0 4,542 na Mercedes-Benz 3,472 8,336 -4,864 -58.3 Subaru 3,131 1,147 1,984 173.0 Volvo 2,718 996 1,722 172.9 Jaguar 381 256 125 48.8 Total 296,227 265,981 30,246 11.4 Source: Kelley Blue Book Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
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