Date: Mar 12, 2019
Tesla appears to be negotiating with Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) to supply battery cells for its Model 3, manufactured in Shanghai, China. The talks between Tesla and CATL have been concerning the required specifications for the cells.
Bloomberg Quint reported the negotiations with reference to inside information. However, it is still unclear whether the deal will be concluded. Neither Tesla nor CATL have publicly commented on the rumoured talks. There is no doubt that a deal with Tesla could further sharpen CATL’s profile as one of the world’s up-and-coming battery cell companies. The manufacturer, based in the southern Chinese province of Fujian, is preparing to become the largest producer of lithium-ion battery cells in China.
Panasonic is currently known as Tesla’s exclusive partner for battery cells, but the Californians apparently also want to purchase cells from several suppliers in China. CEO Elon Musk had already indicated this on Twitter in November. He wrote: “Cell production will be sourced locally, most likely from several companies (incl Pana), in order to meet demand in a timely manner.”
