Press Release | August 25, 2025

BCI and CRU publish first-ever report on future lead battery market trends

Report exclusively available for BCI members

Battery Council International (BCI) has partnered with CRU to publish a first-of-its-kind report on current growth rates and future trends in lead battery markets, powered decades of metals market intelligence at CRU and the proprietary data on battery sales and manufacturing collected by BCI.  

With more than 80 years of sales statistics and annual market forecasts provided directly by its member companies, BCI is the exclusive provider of real-world data for the North American battery industry. This trusted BCI data is partnered with CRU’s best-in-class analysis and insights to offer the most comprehensive and reliable report available on lead battery market trends. 

Key takeaways in the automotive lead battery market 

  • Automotive lead battery demand grew 3.9% in 2024, with more modest growth of 2.5% expected in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026. 
  • Global light vehicle production is now expected to increase only 0.4% in 2025 and 0.7% in 2026, dampened by readjustment of supply chains and stock drawdowns. 

Key takeaways in the stationary lead battery market 

  • A third of stationary battery installations in 2024 were standalone and not directly connected to renewable power installations. 
  • Forecasts on lead battery sales for stationary storage include a compound annual growth rate of 2.8% through 2027. 

Key takeaways in the industrial lead battery market 

  • Long-term lead battery sales for industrial trucks and forklifts are expected to enjoy a CAGR of 3.0% through 2027. 

Key takeaways in lead metals markets 

The report is currently available only to BCI member companies. To join BCI or for additional information on the publication, please contact info@batterycouncil.org. 

About Battery Council International 

Battery Council International (BCI) is the leading trade association representing the global battery industry and is the premier authority on energy storage solutions. Founded in 1924, BCI advocates and educates on behalf of battery manufacturers and recyclers, marketers and retailers, suppliers of raw materials and equipment, and battery distributors. With a unified voice, BCI conveys an industry-wide commitment to sustainability, safety and science. The organization unites its 140+ members to successfully communicate and protect through education, science and advocacy efforts the most successful circular economy on the planet. For more information, visit www.batterycouncil.org. 

About CRU 

Since our inception back in 1969, we have consistently prioritized primary research and robust methodologies; and have teams of experts around the world, including teams on the ground in China. With more than 450 experts across 14 locations worldwide, we partner with companies to successfully navigate the complexities of continuously changing commodity markets. In a changing world where industries and companies need to constantly adapt, CRU is committed to propelling your success forward. Whether it’s deciphering market trends or shaping sustainable strategies, CRU is here to empower you every step of the way. For more information, visit www.crugroup.com. 

Share:

Sign up for the latest battery news!

SUBSCRIBE

Venkat Srinivasan from the Argonne Collaborative Center

The lead acid battery ... is legendary. We can recycle 95+ percent of [these] batteries all across the world. It's a very safe chemistry, ... [and] we understand how to use it very, very well.

Dr. Venkat Srinivasan, Director, Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science