With dozens of new electric vehicles (EVs) hitting the market over the next three years, the supply of the lithium-ion batteries that power them is becoming critical. In many ways, the performance of an EV is dependent upon the type and performance of its battery pack, and it is vital that carmakers have a strong partnership with their battery suppliers.
The demand for EV batteries is being met by a relatively small number of companies from Asia. From South Korea comes LG Energy Solution (formerly LG Chem), SK Innovation, and Samsung SDI, from Japan there is Panasonic, and from China, the largest are Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., known as CATL, and BYD.
The most cost-effective way to build an EV is to have a battery factory located nearby and as a result, carmakers are forming joint ventures and partnerships with battery manufacturers. These partnerships have become strategically important as the demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to exceed supply before the end of the decade.
Who is partnered with whom? These are 17 of the top car companies that will be selling EVs in the US and their battery company partners. It is a fluid list as supply and demand, pricing, and behind the scenes, maneuvering can cause a company to change its dance partner. Here’s the current playing field.
Kevin Clemens is a Senior Editor with Battery Technology.
