Recharge Dec25 (Overstated forecasts, CATL, semi-solid batteries, battery costs, BESS)

Recharge Dec25 (Overstated forecasts, CATL, semi-solid batteries, battery costs, BESS)

From Recharge by Battery Materials Review by batterymaterialsreview

December 18, 2025 · 43 min · Episode 75

About this episode

The episode reviews key developments in the battery materials and energy storage sectors as the industry approaches 2026.

In December 2025’s Recharge podcast, co-presenters Matt Fernley (Battery Materials Review) and Cormac O’Laoire (Electrios Energy) review the key developments shaping the battery materials and energy storage sectors as the industry heads into 2026, including: Why lithium demand forecasts may be overstated, including assumptions around lithium intensity per kWh and EV battery pack sizes EV battery size trends, affordability, and the divergence between Europe and China, including the role of SUVs, crossovers and EREVs What does NIO’s decision to stop selling its semi-solid battery mean for the market? Battery pricing trends, BNEF pack cost benchmarks, and whether 2025 marks the trough for cell and pack costs Capacity utilisation, pricing pressure and why older gigafactories risk becoming uncompetitive BESS market dynamics, including strong cell shipments, slower installations, inventory build-ups and project delays

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt Fernley, Cormac O’Laoire

Topics covered

  • lithium demand forecasts
  • EV battery size trends
  • semi-solid batteries
  • battery pricing trends
  • capacity utilisation
  • BESS market dynamics

Keywords

  • lithium intensity
  • EV battery pack sizes
  • affordability
  • NIO
  • BNEF pack cost benchmarks
  • gigafactories
  • cell shipments
  • project delays

Mentioned in this episode

Products: EREVs, CATL, NIO, BESS

Places: Europe, China

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