In the past 15 years, the cost of lithium-ion battery packs for light-duty EVs has dropped 90%, from $1,300 to $139 per kilowatt-hour in 2023, as per the U.S. DOE.

When the Tesla Roadster launched in 2008, low production volumes kept battery costs high. As EV demand grew and production increased, manufacturers achieved economies of scale, lowering the average cost per battery pack.

Impact of Production Volume on Battery Prices

Battery prices fell by 13% in 2019, rose in 2022 due to pandemic-related supply issues, but dropped 14% again in 2023, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Fluctuations in Battery Prices Due to External Factors

In fact, during Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in June 2023, CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that the company’s own 4680 cells were still more expensive than those purchased from suppliers.

Fluctuations in Battery Prices Due to External Factors

Goldman Sachs predicts battery costs could drop 40% by 2025, potentially allowing EVs to match the cost of internal combustion vehicles in some markets as early as next year.

Future Prospects for Battery Cost Reductions