Expect to see new chemistries hitting the roads, a shifting policy landscape, and a renewed focus on cost and performance.

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MIT Technology Review

EV battery technology is evolving rapidly as global adoption accelerates. Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a cheaper alternative to lithium-ion, with Chinese companies already deploying them in vehicles and CATL planning passenger car launches in 2026. Solid-state batteries are moving closer to commercial reality, with companies like Factorial Energy and QuantumScape targeting 2027-2028 production. The industry landscape is fragmenting geographically: China dominates production and is expanding into Europe, emerging markets like Brazil and Thailand are growing rapidly, while the US faces headwinds after federal tax credit elimination. Cost pressures are driving chemistry innovation as lithium prices tick upward, creating opportunities for alternative battery technologies.

What’s next for EV batteries in 2026