Electric vehicle and battery supply chain: 5 things to look for in 2026

The EV and battery market is entering a critical phase of maturation defined by organic growth, regulatory shifts and the commercial debut of next-generation technologies.  

This promises to be a pivotal year. Drawing on unique insight from across the Electric Vehicle & Battery Supply Chain Service, we’ve set out five areas we will be tracking closely in 2026 – along with a few wildcards to watch out for. Fill in the form to get your complimentary copy, and read on for a brief introduction.  

Chinese EVs will bolster electrification across markets 

We expect 2026 to be the year the EV sector, particularly in China, will finally come into its own. 2026 will critically provide a glimpse of what level of organic EV growth – without heavy incentives and stringent compliance mandates – is possible and what it could look like over the next five years. 

The US has sunset its EV subsidy, eased its fuel economy norms and restricted use of Chinese in-vehicle software. The EU has eased its tailpipe emissions norms and continued to maintain countervailing duties on Chinese BEVs. The UK introduced a new pay-per-mile road charge for EVs, applicable from 2028. Mexico and Southeast Asian states have either raised tariffs on auto imports or removed duty-free schemes for EV imports. Despite this, overseas prospects for Chinese EV OEMs remain stronger than ever. 

Our optimism around Chinese automakers’ ability to rapidly electrify international markets in 2026 stems from the sheer number of tailwinds advantaging them. For our analysis of these tailwinds, read the full report.  

Next-generation battery technologies will become reality 

This year also marks a technological turning point, with the large-scale application of sodium-ion batteries and the first mass-market deliveries of semi-solid-state cells. Beyond traditional vehicles, emerging demand from humanoid robotics and consumer appliances is beginning to diversify the battery landscape, signalling a broader transition toward a fully electrified economy. 

Read the full report for our take on how technology commercialisation could reshape the battery landscape in 2026.  

Also in Electric vehicle and battery supply chain: 5 things to look for in 2026…  

This will be a critical year for Europe’s battery sector as multiple facilities ramp up production – how will the manufacturing landscape evolve? Meanwhile China's EV and battery sectors are undergoing a fundamental transformation as Beijing shifts its industrial policy from quantity-focused expansion to quality-driven competitiveness. This transition is creating a 'survival of the fittest' environment – how will that play out? Will the destructive cycle of margin-eroding price wars come to an end? For our take on these themes and more, read the full report.  

Fill in the form at the top of the page for your complimentary copy.