First Ford, Now Tesla Signs Major EV Battery Deals With Chinese Suppliers

File image of the Tesla Fremont Factory in the United States. JOSH EDELSON / AFP

The United States government’s long-held goal to weaken China’s dominance in the strategically important electric vehicle battery sector suffered another setback on Monday when Tesla announced two multi-year deals to source batteries from two of China’s largest suppliers.

Tesla signed agreements with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. and CNGR Advanced Material Co. to provide a cocktail of battery materials that will be used to power its vehicles through the middle of the decade.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.