In January 2026’s Recharge podcast, co-presenters Matt (RK Equity / Battery Materials Review) and Cormac O’Laoire (Electrios Energy) discuss key battery-market dynamics heading into 2026, including:   China’s shift toward PHEVs/EREVs, larger packs, and intensifying model-level competition Slowing China EV sales growth and the implications of subsidy roll-offs for 2026 demand Diverging regional outcomes in 2025: US EV slowdown versus stronger-than-expected Europe growth China’s export rebate changes for batteries and the impact on Tier 2 producers and ESS supply availability Rising battery raw material inputs and where cell pricing could tighten, especially for higher-duration ESS