The majority of batteries are produced in China. Thats really their biggest advantage. I dont think any other manufacturer is planning their own battery production besides VW
What are you talking about? GM and Ford both have multiple battery factories planned in the US. Most manufacturers are planning their own battery production.
Yes, but it’s not about manufacturers making batteries, it’s about China’s dominance of the supply chain as a country. China refines 95% of the battery materials and makes 75% of the batteries. Much of that is because the Chinese government has subsidised battery manufacturing to put themselves in a dominant position, on average Chinese battery factories are running at half utilisation which is not viable for western companies. Also, they have much reduced labour and environmental protections and they ignore IP (the LFP patents which just expired).
China did not ignore the LFP patent. Hydro Quebec (LFP+C Consortium), the owners of the LFP patent had an agreement with China, that Chinese companies can make LFP batteries in China without a license fee as long as those batteries are sold to the local market. Reason was the original 1997 Patent sold by UT Austin to Hydro Quebec was not accepted under Chinese jurisdiction. Hydro Quebec didn’t want another long costly legal battle in China with only 10 years left on their LFP patent, so they made an agreement.
Labour costs are higher than ever in China, but supply chain and logistics are so efficient that its offset easily.
The majority of batteries are produced in China. Thats really their biggest advantage. I dont think any other manufacturer is planning their own battery production besides VW
What are you talking about? GM and Ford both have multiple battery factories planned in the US. Most manufacturers are planning their own battery production.
Yes, but it’s not about manufacturers making batteries, it’s about China’s dominance of the supply chain as a country. China refines 95% of the battery materials and makes 75% of the batteries. Much of that is because the Chinese government has subsidised battery manufacturing to put themselves in a dominant position, on average Chinese battery factories are running at half utilisation which is not viable for western companies. Also, they have much reduced labour and environmental protections and they ignore IP (the LFP patents which just expired).
China did not ignore the LFP patent. Hydro Quebec (LFP+C Consortium), the owners of the LFP patent had an agreement with China, that Chinese companies can make LFP batteries in China without a license fee as long as those batteries are sold to the local market. Reason was the original 1997 Patent sold by UT Austin to Hydro Quebec was not accepted under Chinese jurisdiction. Hydro Quebec didn’t want another long costly legal battle in China with only 10 years left on their LFP patent, so they made an agreement.
Stellantis, Mercedes: Automotive Cells Company
Toyota: Toyota Batteries North Carolina