Gotion High-tech founder Li Zhen told Bloomberg that the Iran war has accelerated global demand for clean energy and strengthened the company’s focus on the green transition, while acknowledging fierce industry “involution” and ongoing challenges in U.S. Expansion plans.
Li Zhen, chairman of Gotion High-tech, said in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg’s Minmin Low that disruptions to fossil fuel supplies due to the Iran war have driven renewed interest in battery storage and electric vehicles, creating tailwinds for the company’s core business. He noted that the conflict has shifted global attention toward energy security and decarbonization, aligning with Gotion’s strategic priorities in power battery and energy storage solutions.
The founder discussed Gotion’s growth trajectory, citing the company’s record performance in 2025, when global power battery installations reached 53.5 GWh, representing an 82.5% year-on-year increase. This growth propelled Gotion’s global market share to 4.5%, up 1.2 percentage points from the previous year, marking a historic high in the competitive power battery sector. Overseas installations surged to 12.8 GWh, growing 76.3% year-on-year, supported by an expanding international manufacturing footprint.
Li Zhen acknowledged intense competition within the industry, describing it as “involution” — a term used to characterize excessive internal competition that drives down margins without proportional innovation. He emphasized that Gotion is responding by accelerating technological innovation, expanding its global service network, and strengthening partnerships in critical infrastructure and electric mobility sectors.
Regarding U.S. Expansion, Li Zhen confirmed that the company remains committed to establishing a presence in North America but acknowledged that geopolitical tensions and local opposition have complicated efforts. He referenced the stalled Michigan project, where grassroots resistance over national security concerns and environmental fears led to delays, despite initial support from local officials seeking economic revitalization.
The chairman reiterated that globalization is an inevitable trend for battery manufacturers, arguing that protectionist policies are only short-term obstacles. He pointed to Gotion’s existing global operations — including manufacturing bases in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas — as evidence of its commitment to international integration, with planned overseas capacity exceeding 100 GWh and a service network spanning 99 overseas stations.
Li Zhen highlighted Gotion’s recognition as a Tier 1 Global Energy Storage Provider by BloombergNEF for Q1 2026, citing the selection as validation of the company’s stable market standing and credibility in the global energy storage supply chain. He connected this achievement to sustained performance in both battery and energy storage businesses, which have benefited from diversified demand beyond electric vehicles.
Founded by Li Zhen, Gotion High-tech has positioned itself among the world’s top seven overseas power battery installers, with an overseas market share of 2.8%. The company continues to invest in vertical integration, from raw material processing to cell production and system integration, aiming to differentiate itself in a market marked by overcapacity and pricing pressure.
While Li Zhen expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for clean energy adoption, he stressed that navigating geopolitical fragmentation, trade restrictions, and community skepticism will require adaptive strategies. He framed the Iran war not only as a disruptor but as a catalyst that has underscored the strategic importance of energy independence and technological self-reliance for nations and corporations alike.