CATL raises 2026 production forecast to 1,300 GWh

CATL has significantly raised its 2026 production forecast to 1,300 GWh, a 30 percent increase over previous targets. The battery manufacturer cited growing confidence in the resilience of the Chinese electric vehicle and stationary energy storage markets.

To expand its market presence, CATL is diversifying into digital energy infrastructure. The company announced plans to invest up to $942 million for a stake of up to 38.1 percent in VNET Group, a Chinese data center operator. This move aims to integrate carbon-neutral energy production with data center infrastructure, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Additionally, CATL is disrupting traditional distribution models through CATL Mall, a direct-to-business platform launched in June 2026. The platform allows small and medium-sized enterprises to purchase LFP energy storage cells directly, bypassing intermediaries. This initiative enables smaller companies to access manufacturer pricing, such as 423 yuan (approximately $63) per kWh, with significantly lower minimum order requirements.