IDTechEx maps 10-year EV battery material demand trends

Demand for electric vehicle (EV) battery materials is forecast to reach 22.2 million tonnes by 2036, driven by continued growth in passenger car sales and expanding adoption across commercial vehicle segments, according to a new report from market research firm IDTechEx. The report, “Materials for Electric Vehicle Battery Cells and Packs 2026–2036”, identifies shifting chemistry preferences and pack design trends as key factors shaping material volumes over the period.

Cell materials account for more than 70% of total material demand in EV battery packs. IDTechEx forecasts a general shift from nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, driven by lower cost per kWh. LFP is already dominant in China, where it benefits from established supply chains and price competitiveness, while NMC remains more prevalent in Europe and North America. Cobalt price volatility — with significant price increases recorded in 2025 — is expected to accelerate the move towards higher-nickel NMC formulations in performance segments.

On the anode side, silicon content is forecast to rise progressively, with mid-range (20–40% by weight) and high-silicon (80–90%) anodes expected to reach commercial scale towards the end of the forecast period, constraining graphite demand growth.

At the pack level, aluminium and steel remain the primary enclosure materials, though glass-fibre and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer composites are beginning to see adoption as weight reduction becomes a greater design priority. The report covers material demand by chemistry, application sector, and region across a 10-year forecast period.

Source: IDTechEx