Ford and Volkswagen have plans to introduce a number of new electric vehicles (EVs) over the next few years. Those efforts have been dealt a blow as their battery supplier, SK Innovation Co. (SKI) has been banned from the the U.S. for 10 years.
The ban is a result of a dispute between SKI and LG Chem, with the latter claiming SKIs batteries were developed using stolen technology. The International Trade Commission agreed with LG Chem and ordered the ban on Wednesday.
Despite the ban, SKI will still be allowed to import components for U.S. production of Ford’s electric F-150 for four years beginning now. A shorter two year grace window was allowed for VW and their MEB platform.
The grace period will allow both automakers to find new battery suppliers.
The decision is not final though, as SKI, Ford, and Volkswagen can petition President Joe Biden to throw out the ban on pubic policy grounds, reports Bloomberg.
