Ford in Talks with China’s CATL to Supply EV Batteries to its Canadian Plant: Report

Photo: CATL

The world’s largest battery supplier, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), may be set to supply Ford’s Oakville plant in Ontario, Canada, with electric vehicle (EV) batteries — if it can justify the move amidst political tensions.

Ford is in talks with China electronics manufacturer CATL about supplying batteries to the automaker’s Ontario, Canada facility, according to sources who shared details with The Logic.

In addition to CATL being the world’s largest battery supplier, officials have raised concerns about the company’s role in advancing the Chinese government’s ambitions to keep a hold on its already-dominant position in the EV industry.

One of the sources, who asked to remain anonymous due to the privacy of the matter, said that Canadian officials are hesitant about receiving batteries from China, due to the latter’s use of its market dominance for its own geopolitical gains.

Additionally, the source added that U.S. officials were aware of the discussions, with Canadian officials growing worried that its southern neighbours might also object to the partnership.

CATL would not build a battery facility in Ontario, but rather source batteries externally and supply them to Ford’s Oakville plant. The unnamed sources told The Logic a deal did not appear imminent.

CATL supplies batteries to Tesla’s Shanghai factory from a recently-developed facility in the same city.

Apple was also reportedly in talks with CATL and fellow Chinese component manufacturer BYD about supplying EV batteries for an upcoming car.