CALB Expands Lithium Battery Capacity at Sichuan Chengdu Plant

CALB

CALB Invests $1.65 Billion in Phase 2 Chengdu Battery Expansion

China Aviation LB (CALB) has launched a major expansion of its Chengdu lithium battery facility in Sichuan province. The company began construction of a new 30 GWh energy storage and power battery plant on March 25. CALB is investing 12 billion yuan ($1.65 billion) in the project, aiming to begin operations by the second half of 2026. This expansion builds on a 20 GWh facility completed in 2022, reinforcing CALB’s growing role in China’s battery market.

CALB Strengthens Market Position Among China’s Top Battery Makers

CALB currently ranks as China's third-largest power battery supplier, trailing only CATL and BYD in total installed volumes. In January–February, CALB accounted for 5.6% of China’s 73.6 GWh total installed power batteries, with 4.1 GWh deployed. Its clients include major automakers such as Guangzhou Automobile, Xpeng, Geely, and Mercedes-Benz’s Smart brand. Meanwhile, leading players CATL and BYD achieved 33.7 GWh and 17.1 GWh, making up 45.8% and 23.2% of the market.

The Metalnomist Commentary

CALB’s latest investment reflects intense competition among Chinese battery giants to scale up capacity amid global EV growth. The Chengdu plant not only adds strategic value in western China but also signals CALB’s ambitions beyond the domestic market. In a tightening race, production speed and gigawatt-hour output are becoming as critical as technological innovation.