As China charges ahead with the production of smartphones, electrolyte makers have been racing to mass-produce low-cost components for the consumer Li-ion battery market.

Chinese manufacturers are also the dominant players for other battery components. But their Japanese counterparts are now discovering new opportunities in the electric vehicle market, for which reliable, high-performance batteries are essential.

China is home to more than 40 battery makers, giving the country a definite advantage in the industry. And more companies are crowding in from other sectors.

Read the full article China’s lithium-ion battery makers devour foreign rivals.