| Category | |
|---|---|
| Author | Robin Song |
| Updated | June 10, 2025 |
The energy storage industry stands at a pivotal juncture. After three years of explosive growth followed by rational adjustments, it is transitioning toward a higher-level competition—now centered on long-term strategy, system capabilities, and globalization—rather than just cell performance and price. Customer priorities have shifted from product unit price to total cost of ownership (TCO), from delivery speed to batch consistency, and from single-region projects to multi-region compliance and delivery capabilities.
InfoLink Consulting’s global energy storage cell shipment ranking shows that CALB entered the top three for the first time in 1Q25. CALB’s rise highlights a key question: who is quietly breaking through amid evolving competition?
Case study: CALB’s product and technology evolution
CALB’s rise from follower to leader centers on its 314Ah cells, now a market mainstream with over 65% quarterly penetration, based on InfoLink’s data. With 15 years of experience in energy storage and the earliest mass production of 314Ah cells, CALB ranks among the top three in quarterly shipments.
To maintain its lead, CALB launched its 314Ah Gen2.0 Ultra-Long Cycle Energy Storage Cell , featuring lithium replenishment technology for 15,000 cycles, aiming for “solar and storage lifespan alignment” and meeting customers’ demands for high efficiency and project returns.
Looking ahead, CALB plans to launch 600Ah+ large-capacity cells and offers a cost-effective option, the 392Ah cell. The 392Ah cell enables 6.25 MWh per 20-foot container, meeting large-capacity requirements and providing a balanced cost, performance, and returns, reflecting CALB’s strategic advantage within its current product portfolio for utility-scale applications.
Systemic support behind CALB’s rise to the global top three
The systematic development and gradual unleashing of organizational capabilities primarily drove CALB’s rise into the global top three.
1. Enhanced manufacturing of LFP batteries with lean processes and quick response
While many power battery makers have entered the energy storage market, few have secured leading positions in both the EV and energy storage sectors. CALB ranks among the global top five in both, highlighting its manufacturing strength in ensuring high safety and consistency. It also reflects the company’s ability to adapt quickly through agile R&D and flexible production, despite challenges such as overcapacity, diverse demand, and policy shifts.
The power battery rankings are based on SNE’s 1Q25 global power battery installation data.
The energy storage battery rankings are sourced from InfoLink’s 1Q25 global ESS cell shipment data.
2. Regionalized delivery capability in the global market
Energy storage regulations and standards differ across global regions. To compete internationally, manufacturers must build on their domestic foundation while meeting the specific demands of overseas markets. CALB’s utility-scale project expansions, from Europe to the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, suggest that it has steadily developed regional delivery capabilities, including product certification, local fulfillment, and after-sales support.
3. Balanced customer portfolio
A breakdown of CALB’s 2024 energy storage customer base reveals a tiered structure, covering leading global integrators and Tier-2,3 regional players. This diversified layout helps mitigate risks from individual client fluctuations while capturing growth opportunities from emerging customers, supporting steady shipment growth.
With strong manufacturing capabilities, cross-regional delivery capacity, and a well-structured customer base, CALB is supported by a solid foundation for sustainable development.
Industry insight: Dual growth in power and energy storage batteries
CALB is among the few manufacturers making strong progress in both power battery and energy storage. Its continued improvement in manufacturing, product development, and regional delivery reflects a growing ability to build a resilient global supply system. The company’s shift from a qualified supplier to a key partner for major integrators highlights not only product competitiveness but also strength in system integration and adaptability.
According to InfoLink, as demand deepens in non-China markets and technological innovation accelerates, energy storage cell manufacturers with multi-application product compatibility and utility-scale delivery experience will gain a competitive edge. Under its “dual-track strategy” in power battery and energy storage, CALB remains a key player to watch and serves as a valuable growth model for energy storage companies seeking to expand their global presence.