Canadian gov't partners with Volkswagen, Mercedes to produce auto batteries

Ottawa [Canada], August 24: The Canadian federal government signed separate memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday to provide raw materials for electric vehicle batteries to the two German auto giants.
According to a press release, the MOU with Volkswagen focuses on deepening cooperation on sustainable battery manufacturing, cathode active material production and critical mineral supply.
The MOU with Mercedes-Benz focuses on enhancing collaboration with Canadian companies along the electric vehicle and battery supply chains and supporting the development of a sustainable critical mineral supply chain in Canada.
"Working hand in hand with governments around the world is an absolute prerequisite to meet our climate goals," said Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen, "The supply of battery raw materials and the production of precursor and cathode materials with a low carbon footprint will allow for a fast and sustainable ramp-up of battery capacity, a key lever for our growth strategy in North America."
"To scale up our electric vehicle production, direct access to primary sources of raw materials is needed to improve the resilience and sustainability of the electric vehicle supply chain," said Markus Schafer, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz and Chief Technology Officer.
Since January this year, Canada has secured some major manufacturing deals for electric vehicles, batteries and hybrids. It has set a target of achieving 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
Source: Xinhua