CATL is in the final stages of potential vetting sites in the United States to build EV batteries for BMW and Ford.
According to reporting by Reuters, the battery giant is considering sites in South Carolina and Kentucky.
CATL currently provides batteries for several auto manufacturers based in the US, including BMW, Ford, Tesla and Volkswagen.
However, according to the sources, these specific US plants would be for BMW and Ford.
For BMW specifically, the sources noted that the company was looking at sites for a start of production in 2026. Currently, BMW has a plant located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Ford’s Kentucky plant is located in Louisville.
CATL’s Chairman Zeng Yuqun confirmed that the company was exploring possibilities to localize production for overseas automakers. However, he did not confirm where the company was looking to expand.
CATL started mass-producing batteries for overseas clients back in 2021. Since expanding their operation, CATL has quickly cemented itself as the largest battery manufacturer in the world.
Later this year, the company is planning to open their first overseas battery plant in Arnstadt, Germany.
If CATL makes a move to the United States, they will join SK Innovation, Samsung SDI, Panasonic and LG Energy Solutions, who all have or will have plants in the US.
