CBAK Energy Climbs Ranks with Advanced Full-Tab Battery Technology

DALIAN, China – April 13, 2026 – In the hyper-competitive arena of China's battery manufacturing sector, CBAK Energy Technology (NASDAQ: CBAT) has cemented its position as a formidable player, achieving top-tier rankings for its cylindrical cell shipments in 2025. According to recently published industry reports from the respected Start Point Institute of Research (SPIR), the Dalian-based company has surged to the forefront, signaling a strategic victory built on technological innovation and market foresight.

The SPIR data validates CBAK Energy's impressive performance, placing it 2nd in China for its Model 26650/26700 cell shipments and 3rd for its larger Model 32140 cells by unit volume. This translates to a massive output of approximately 17.8 million 26-series units and nearly 30 million 32-series units in 2025 alone. When measured by total energy capacity (GWh), the company also secured a strong 6th position for large cylindrical cell shipments, underscoring its ability to scale production for high-capacity applications. These rankings are not just numbers; they represent a significant foothold in a market that powers everything from portable electronics to the future of transportation and energy.

The Full-Tab Technology Edge

At the heart of CBAK Energy’s market ascent is its proprietary full-tab, or "all-tab," battery architecture. This advanced design moves beyond traditional battery construction, where electrical current is drawn through small tabs, creating bottlenecks that generate heat and limit performance. Instead, a full-tab design utilizes the entire edge of the electrode as the electrical contact point.

The benefits are substantial. This architecture dramatically reduces internal resistance—by as much as 70% in some cases—leading to significantly better thermal management. With less heat buildup, full-tab batteries can be charged and discharged at much higher rates without degradation or safety risks. Research indicates these cells can see a 60% reduction in temperature rise during operation, enabling ultra-fast charging that could see a battery reach 80% capacity in as little as 10 minutes. This efficiency also translates to a longer operational life, with some studies suggesting a potential doubling of the battery's cycle life compared to conventional designs.

CBAK has strategically deployed this technology across its portfolio. Its Model 32140 large cylindrical batteries were designed with the full-tab architecture from their inception. Concurrently, the company has begun a crucial technological evolution for its workhorse 26-series cells, which have long dominated the portable power supply market for top-tier brands like Jackery. By converting select 26-series production lines to full-tab manufacturing in 2024, CBAK is now future-proofing its most established products for more demanding applications.

Beyond EVs: Powering the AI and Robotics Revolution

While the electric vehicle market remains a key driver for battery innovation, CBAK Energy’s latest strategic moves highlight a significant diversification into the foundational infrastructure of the next industrial revolution: artificial intelligence and automation. The company is explicitly targeting its new high-performance, full-tab 26650 cells for the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) robotics market and as Backup Battery Units (BBUs) for AI data centers.

This pivot is exceptionally timely. The global market for AGV and mobile robot batteries is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% through 2031, with a rapid industry-wide shift from lead-acid to superior lithium-ion solutions. These robotic fleets, operating 24/7 in warehouses and factories, demand batteries that offer high energy density, fast charging to maximize uptime, and extreme reliability—all hallmarks of full-tab technology.

Even more explosive is the demand from AI data centers. The unprecedented power required for AI workloads is creating a surge in demand for robust energy solutions. Battery energy storage systems are no longer just for backup; they are critical for managing power quality, smoothing demand spikes from the grid, and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of these multi-billion dollar facilities. Projections show the global market for AI data center energy storage could soar from 12 GWh in 2025 to over 300 GWh by 2030, representing a colossal new market for high-performance battery suppliers.

Navigating China's Fierce Battery Battlefield

CBAK Energy’s success is made all the more impressive by the intensely competitive landscape in which it operates. The Chinese lithium-ion battery market is a battlefield of titans, with giants like CATL—which commanded over 43% of the domestic market in 2025—BYD, and EVE Energy leading the charge. These companies are not only domestic leaders but also global powerhouses, driving innovation and setting production records.

Within this environment, CBAK has carved out a powerful niche in cylindrical cells. However, the competition is not standing still. Major players like EVE Energy are also heavily investing in large cylindrical formats and have launched their own full-tab battery products, targeting similar high-growth sectors. The industry-wide adoption of this advanced architecture indicates that continuous innovation is not just an advantage but a requirement for survival and growth. CBAK’s high rankings prove its ability to compete effectively on technology and manufacturing scale, even against larger, more diversified competitors.

"We are profoundly encouraged by the SPIR ranking results, which quantitatively validate the technical superiority and market acceptance of our cylindrical cell portfolio," said Zhiguang Hu, Chief Executive Officer of CBAK Energy. "Securing 2nd place in the 26700/26650 segment and 3rd in the 32140 category proves that our commitment to engineering excellence is yielding tangible market dominance."

The CEO's statement underscores the company's strategy: leveraging its engineering prowess to not only defend its current market share but to aggressively expand into new, lucrative verticals. By upgrading its legacy lines while simultaneously pushing the envelope with its large-format cells, CBAK is executing a dual-pronged strategy. Its 32140 and 40135 cells continue to make inroads in the Light Electric Vehicle and broader energy storage sectors, a market in China that is projected to grow at a staggering 25% CAGR. With plans for even larger 60-series cells on the horizon, CBAK Energy is signaling its intent to remain a key innovator and a competitive force on the global stage.