Are lithium-ion battery prices falling?

The price of lithium-ion battery cells declined by 97% in the last three decades. A battery with a capacity of one kilowatt-hour that cost $7500 in 1991 was just $181 in 2018. That’s 41 times less. What’s promising is that prices are still falling steeply: the cost halved between 2014 and 2018. A halving in only four years.

How much does a lithium ion battery cost?

Ongoing data over the last decade shows just how dramatically lithium-ion batteries have fallen in price. According to data collected by Bloomberg, the volume-weighted average price of a typical lithium-ion battery plunged by over $1,000 since 2010. As of 2020, the average price is roughly $137, down from an astounding $1,191 just 10 years ago.

How have Lithium prices changed over the past decade?

Lithium prices have seen dramatic changes over the past decade. From 2010 to 2015, prices remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations due to steady demand and supply conditions. However, from 2015 onwards, prices began to soar, driven by the booming EV market and increased demand for renewable energy storage solutions.

Why have Lithium prices stabilized in 2024?

As of 2024, lithium prices have stabilized from their major plunge of 2022-2023. The current price is attributed to several factors: Increased Demand: The global shift towards electrification and decarbonization has accelerated the demand for lithium-ion batteries. EVs, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics continue to drive this demand.

Are lithium ion batteries going down?

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used. Lithium-ion battery cells have also seen an impressive price reduction. Since 1991, prices have fallen by around 97%. Prices fall by an average of 19% for every doubling of capacity. Even more promising is that this rate of reduction does not yet appear to be slowing down.

What is the current state of the lithium market?

The current state of the lithium markets has drawn parallels to the iron ore market prior to the 2010s, where pricing would follow an annual benchmark negotiated between miners and steelmakers each year. In the early 2000s, explosive growth in iron ore demand from China was the catalyst that finally led to change in the iron ore markets.