Zhong Guo Neng Yuan Wang·2026-02-24 02:36Core Insights - The lithium battery sector is experiencing significant price increases, with lithium carbonate rising to 170,000 yuan/ton (+42% MoM) and lithium hydroxide to 165,000 yuan/ton (+62% MoM) [1] - In December, China's wholesale sales of new energy passenger vehicles reached 1.42 million units, showing a year-on-year increase of 26% [1] Group 1: Lithium Battery Market - The lithium battery sector has shown strong performance since January 2026, outperforming major indices like the CSI 300 and SSE 50 [2] - The lithium-related sectors have seen monthly transaction values increase, with the low-altitude economy segment rising by 44% [2] - The market is currently focused on the lithium battery sector, with many segments at historically high valuation levels [2] Group 2: Carbonate Lithium Cycle and New Technologies - The lithium carbonate market is undergoing a cyclical reversal, driven by inflation in the supply chain and the emergence of new technologies like sodium batteries [3] - Historical analysis indicates that from 2015 to 2025, lithium carbonate has experienced two complete cycles, with the next upturn expected to be driven by domestic energy storage capacity subsidies and new energy vehicle replacement policies [3] Group 3: New Energy Vehicle Sales - December saw a mixed performance in the new energy vehicle market, with China and Europe showing strong growth while the U.S. market faced challenges [4] - In December, new energy vehicle sales in China, Europe, and the U.S. were 1.42 million, 300,000, and 80,000 units respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of +3%, +35%, and -35% [4] Group 4: Energy Storage Developments - In December, China's energy storage installations reached 63 GWh, a significant increase of 95% MoM and 441% YoY, driven by year-end project completions [5] - The U.S. energy storage market saw a total installation of 39 GWh for the year, with a year-on-year growth of 39%, although this was below expectations due to uncertainties from the Inflation Reduction Act [5] Group 5: Price Trends and New Technologies - Lithium salt and cathode materials have seen strong price increases due to policy changes, with lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide prices rising by 74% and 95% respectively [6] - The solid-state battery industry is accelerating towards commercialization, with significant advancements in production and technology expected by 2025 [7] Group 6: Investment Recommendations - The lithium battery sector is poised for a price and volume surge in 2026, with a focus on companies involved in lithium, separators, and solid-state technology [8]