The world’s largest EV battery maker was designated as a “Chinese language Army Firm” on Monday by the US Protection Division. CATL, which provides EV batteries to Tesla, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and lots of others, is now on the US blacklist. Right here’s what meaning.
It’s no secret that CATL dominates the worldwide EV battery market. Within the first 11 months of 2024, CATL accounted for almost 37% of all electrical car batteries bought globally.
China’s BYD got here in a distant second, with a share of round 17%. LG Power (11.6%), CALB (4.6%), and SK On (4.5%) rounded out the highest 5.
CATL batteries energy main Chinese language OEMs like Geely, NIO, and Li Auto, however international EV leaders like Tesla, VW, Nissan, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz additionally select to make use of them.
After touchdown on the US blacklist, CATL mentioned in an announcement that it “has by no means engaged in any military-related enterprise or actions.” The battery large added that the blacklisting is “a mistake” by the US Division of Protection (DOD).
The designation solely restricts CATL from doing enterprise with the DOD and “is anticipated to don’t have any considerably antagonistic impression” on the corporate.
Why is CATL now on the US blacklist?
CATL will work with the DOD to “tackle the false designation,” together with authorized motion if wanted. The battery maker mentioned it might defend the pursuits of the corporate and its shareholders.
If something, it might be an even bigger blow to the corporate’s status. Following the information, CATL’s inventory was down round 3% on Monday.
The DOD says the listing is a vital persevering with effort to spotlight and counter the Individuals’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Army-Civil Fusion technique.
In response to the DOD, the technique “helps the modernization objectives of the Individuals’s Liberation Military (PLA) by guaranteeing it could possibly purchase superior applied sciences and experience developed by PRC firms, universities, and analysis applications that look like civilian entities.”
In the meantime, CATL continues to launch new tech to take care of its commanding lead within the international EV battery market. Final month, CATL revealed plans to listing on the Hong Kong Inventory Alternate to gasoline its international enlargement.
Two weeks in the past, CATL launched its new Bedrock Chassis, deeming it the “World’s first ultra-safe skateboard chassis.” It’s additionally shortly increasing its EV battery swap community with plans to steadily section out gasoline stations. Its new Choco-SEB batteries make swapping a battery even simpler than filling a gasoline tank.
In the meantime, a senior government from Panasonic Power instructed Reuters on Monday that lowering its provide chain dependence on China for EV batteries made within the US is the primary precedence.
Examine again for extra quickly, as that is an ongoing story. We are going to hold you updated with the newest.
Supply: US Division of Protection, CATL
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