General Motors will allegedly use LFP batteries built with CATL tech

General Motors (GM) will allegedly purchase LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries produced with technology from China-based CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.).

Based on Teslarati’s understanding, Japanese company TDK Corp. will fund and operate a new plant in the United States. The new TDK facility will locally assemble LFP cells using CATL technology. 

TDK’s plant is expected to be located in the US South, creating over 1,000 jobs in the area. People familiar with the matter hinted that General Motors will purchase TDK’s finished products. 

According to a Bloomberg News report, GM declined to comment on the speculation. 

“Our EV strategy is focused on designing products that continue to lower cost, improve performance, and localize production. Battery technology is key enabler of that strategy,” stated a GM spokesperson.

Earlier this year, GM initiated negotiations with CATL to license the Chinese company’s LFP battery technology. CATL and General Motors were also considering a potential joint factory in North America, either in the United States or Mexico. 

Given the United States’ sentiments toward electric vehicle (EV) imports and materials from China, a partnership between GM and CATL seems less likely. Ford’s plans to build a battery factory in Michigan using CATL technology has already drawn scrutiny from the US House of Representatives. Some US Representatives warned Ford against its reliance on China to produce EV batteries.

GM’s involvement with CATL might draw some scrutiny as well. Any plans between the two companies will highly depend on the upcoming 2024 US Presidential Elections. 

GM will not have an equity stake in TDK Corp’s battery facility. TDK will license technology directly from CATL and can offer its finished batteries to automakers for purchase. Since TDK’s batteries will be made in the United States, automakers will likely qualify for subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act.

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