The new energy industry is experiencing unprecedented explosive growth. New energy vehicle sales continue to rise, energy storage battery demand is surging, and photovoltaic component shipments are hitting record highs. The rapid expansion of this trillion-dollar market is profoundly changing the automation landscape of manufacturing.

For automation equipment manufacturers, new energy manufacturing represents a significant opportunity that cannot be ignored. This article analyzes the main directions of automation upgrades in the new energy manufacturing industry in 2026 from three dimensions: industry status, technical requirements, and investment trends.

I. Three Core Tracks of New Energy Manufacturing

New energy vehicles, energy storage batteries, and photovoltaic components constitute the three core tracks of new energy manufacturing. Each track has strong demand for automation equipment, with varying technical requirements.

New energy vehicle manufacturing involves three core components: battery packs, motors, and electronic controls. Battery pack assembly requires extremely high precision—torque deviation of even one screw could affect vehicle safety. Motor manufacturing involves extensive stator and rotor assembly, with strong automation needs. Electronic control systems involve complex PCBA and heatsink assembly.

Energy storage battery manufacturing is currently on the eve of explosive growth. Large-scale energy storage power stations have extremely high consistency requirements for battery modules; capacity and internal resistance differences of individual batteries could affect the entire storage system's performance. This requires locking equipment with precise torque control and full data traceability.

Photovoltaic component manufacturing, though relatively mature, is still accelerating technological iteration. The application of large-size silicon wafers and high-efficiency cell technologies places higher demands on assembly precision and efficiency. Locking for frames, junction boxes, and other components requires more advanced automation solutions.

II. Special Requirements for Locking Equipment in New Energy Manufacturing

Requirements for locking equipment in new energy manufacturing differ significantly from traditional industries.

First is higher precision requirements. New energy vehicle battery packs and large modules in energy storage systems—tightness of even one screw could affect system safety. Torque precision requirements are typically within ±3%, or even higher.

Second is stricter reliability requirements. New energy products often operate in harsh environments; vibration, temperature changes, and electromagnetic interference could all affect connection reliability. Locking equipment must ensure long-term fastening effectiveness of every screw.

Third is more comprehensive traceability requirements. Once problems occur with new energy products, recall costs are enormous. Therefore, complete locking data for every screw must be traceable, including time, torque, angle, and other parameters.

III. 2026 Investment Trend Outlook

In 2026, automation investment in new energy manufacturing will show several clear trends.

First is upgrading from single-machine automation to whole-line automation. Early automation transformations were often single-station, single-equipment; now whole-line coordination is required. Locking equipment needs seamless integration with AGVs, robotic arms, MES systems, and more.

Second is evolving from standardized equipment to customized solutions. The diversity and rapid iteration of new energy products require equipment with greater flexibility. Rapid changeover, one-click program switching, and modular design become standard.

Third is extending from domestic to overseas production capacity. As domestic new energy companies expand globally, automation equipment manufacturers must also follow. This places new requirements on equipment certification standards and after-sales service.

IV. Conclusion

The wave of automation upgrades in new energy manufacturing presents historic opportunities for locking equipment manufacturers. Those who seize this opportunity will occupy favorable positions in future competition.

For Chisu Automation, we have already provided locking solutions for multiple leading new energy enterprises. From power batteries to energy storage systems, from photovoltaic components to charging facilities, we have accumulated rich project experience. If you are planning automation upgrades for new energy manufacturing, welcome to discuss with us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the special precision requirements for locking in new energy manufacturing?

A: For critical parts like new energy vehicle battery packs and energy storage systems, torque precision is typically required within ±3%, with full data traceability to ensure system safety.

Q2: What are the challenges in locking for energy storage battery modules?

A: Energy storage modules have many screws with varying specifications and require moisture-proof, anti-loosening designs. Locking equipment needs to support multi-axis coordination, rapid changeover, and MES system integration.

Q3: What are the characteristics of frame locking for photovoltaic components?

A: Photovoltaic component frame locking needs to control deformation to avoid damaging cells. Usually adopts segmented locking strategies with vision positioning to ensure precision.

Q4: What should be noted when taking new energy equipment overseas?

A: Must comply with target market certification standards (such as CE, UL, etc.) and establish overseas after-sales service networks. Chisu's equipment has passed multiple international certifications and supports global deployment.

Q5: What is the ROI period for new energy production line automation?

A: Based on Chisu's customer experience, ROI for new energy production line automation is typically 12-18 months, depending on production line scale and automation level.

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Author: Chisu Automation Industry Research Team

Published: July 2026

Keywords: new energy manufacturing, automation upgrade, locking equipment, power battery, energy storage system, photovoltaic component