AESC, a Chinese-owned lithium battery manufacturer operating in the US, has suspended its plans to expand production at a key battery facility due to mounting political uncertainty and heightened US-China trade tensions. The move has sparked concerns over a potential supply disruption for BMW's next-generation EVs, which rely heavily on AESC's battery cells.
As Tesla's long-rumored low-cost electric vehicle appears poised for launch, anxiety is rising across its global battery supply chain—particularly among Korean and Japanese partners. Industry observers warn that Tesla's increasing reliance on Chinese-made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries could marginalize long-standing suppliers like LG Energy Solution (LGES), L&F, and Panasonic, potentially eroding their influence in the world's most consequential EV supply chain.
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the global semiconductor industry, US-based silicon carbide (SiC) leader Wolfspeed is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy within weeks. While some orders have already begun shifting to alternate suppliers, industry analysts warn that the long-term implications will ripple across the entire supply chain—disrupting the balance of technology leadership, production capacity, and cost structures.
Formosa Smart Energy Tech, a subsidiary of Formosa Plastics Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GE Vernova to form a strategic alliance focused on hybrid power and energy storage systems. The partnership aims to combine Formosa's lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery expertise with GE Vernova's global experience in gas-fired power and energy storage technologies.
