Lithium carbonate prices dropped below 150,000 yuan/ton and entered a volatile range. CATL invested 1 billion yuan in battery aftermarket services. NIO transferred swapping station assets to state capital. Gotion adjusted capacity structure. Battery makers are pursuing aftermarket extension, asset-light transformation, and capacity optimization.
Price Volatility: Impact on Industry Chain
| Time | Price Level | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2026 | ~200K yuan/ton | Relatively high |
| Mid-year | <150K yuan/ton | Cost pressure release |
| Current | Volatile range | Profit compression |
CATL's 1B Yuan Aftermarket Strategy
CATL invested 1 billion yuan in aftermarket service system:
- Battery recycling network
- Second-life applications (energy storage, low-speed EVs)
- Data services (health assessment, life extension)
NIO's Asset-Light Path
NIO transferred 36 swapping stations to Wuhan Optics Valley Transport Group (state capital), shifting from heavy-asset investor to light-asset operator.
Gotion's Capacity Optimization
Gotion adjusted capacity: closing low-end lines, focusing on premium LFP and high-Ni ternary, expanding overseas in Europe and North America. More at EX1000.COM.
