Ford pauses $3.5B EV battery plant in Michigan, sparking controversy over Chinese company and U.S. jobs

Ford paused work on $3.5 billion EV battery plant in Michigan, seen by UAW president as threat to cut jobs
Controversy surrounds planned factory, centering on Chinese battery maker CATL
CATL led by "father of China's EV revolution", key player in global transition to electric vehicles
Michigan factory plan pits environmentalists against union workers fearing job losses
Dispute shows challenges in shifting auto manufacturing to electric, tensions around Chinese influence

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8/16/2023

Tesla supplier CATL unveils battery that can add up to 400km of range in 10 minutes

Main topic: CATL unveils a new battery that aims to solve electric vehicles' charging and range limitations. Key points: 1. The battery, called Shenxing or "god-like speed," can refuel up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) of range in 10 minutes. 2. Mass production of the battery is expected to start by the end of 2023, with shipping to begin in 2024. 3. Shenxing is the world's first 4C superfast charging LFP battery, using lithium iron phosphate technology. Hint on Elon Musk: Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla, a major customer and partner of CATL.

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Ford Pauses Battery Plant Amid Lawmaker Backlash Over China Ties; Biden and Trump Visit Michigan Amid UAW Strikes Slowing Detroit 3 Output

Ford faces scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers over its partnership with CATL and plans to build a $3.5 billion battery factory in Michigan using Chinese technology, amid concerns of ties to China and potential national security risks.

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Posted 9/27/2023, 9:46:36 PM