The global battery market is witnessing a significant shift as CATL the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has launched a direct online sales platform. This bold move, reminiscent of Tesla’s direct-to-consumer approach, is already yielding impressive results, with over 1,800 companies joining the platform in just two months.
The new platform, named CATL Mall is a B2B e-commerce site that allows small and medium-sized enterprises to purchase LFP cells modules, and complete systems directly from the manufacturer. This innovative approach eliminates the need for intermediaries, streamlining the supply chain and potentially reducing costs for businesses.
CATL Mall: A game-changer in battery sales
The platform operates similarly to a conventional online store. Businesses can register using their commercial license, browse products and prices, and place orders for specific quantities and configurations. According to CATL, the registration process takes about a minute, and the first order can be placed in just 20 minutes.
Among the products available are LFP cells with capacities of 280 Ah and 314 Ah, both rated for 8,000 charge-discharge cycles before their performance drops by 30%. The minimum order quantity is 600 cells, which translates to a total capacity of 538 kWh and a cost of approximately $37,000. The price of these cells starts at $0.423 per Wh, equivalent to about $63 per kWh or €54 per kWh.
In addition to individual cells, CATL offers modules with capacities of 47 kWh and 105 kWh, as well as storage containers with capacities up to 5 MWh. The prices on the platform are dynamic and can fluctuate based on the cost of raw materials.
The competitive landscape of battery prices
While CATL’s prices are competitive, it’s essential to consider the context. The prices listed are for standalone LFP cells intended for energy storage, not complete automotive battery packs. Moreover, in China, these prices are not the lowest available. As of, the average price for LFP cells with a capacity of 314 Ah was approximately $59 per kWh or €50.5 per kWh.
On a global scale, according to BloombergNEF the average price for lithium-ion battery packs across all applications dropped to $108 per kWh in 2026. For energy storage systems, the price reached a record low of $70 per kWh. However, these averages are calculated based on prices for batteries with different chemistries, primarily NMC and LFP. The cost for energy storage systems is generally lower due to the widespread use of LFP cells.
CATL’s dominant position in the battery market
CATL’s ability to experiment with new sales channels is underpinned by its formidable market position. In the first five months of 2026, the company installed 188.4 GWh of batteries for electric vehicles, capturing 40.2% of the global market. The closest competitor, BYD holds a 14.4% market share. This means that four out of every ten electric vehicle batteries installed worldwide are produced by CATL.
The company also holds a leading position in the energy storage market, controlling approximately 30% of the global market. This dominant position allows CATL to explore innovative strategies, such as its direct online sales platform, to maintain and even expand its market share.
As the demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions continues to grow, CATL’s strategic moves are likely to shape the future of the battery industry. The company’s focus on ecosystem integration including battery swapping and platforms for electric vehicles, further solidifies its position as a market leader.
