The Volkswagen Group and the Government of Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which they will investigate opportunities for Canada to contribute to VW’s global and regional battery supply chains.
PowerCo, VW’s newly founded battery company, will establish a new liaison office in Canada, and will have a central role in the planned cooperation in the fields of battery value creation, raw material supply chains and cathode material production. A key focus will be the supply of critical raw materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.
PowerCo has plans to establish a battery gigafactory in North America, and is currently examining possible production sites.
“Canada is quickly becoming the green supplier of choice for major auto companies,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “By partnering with Volkswagen, Canada is strengthening its leadership role as a world-class automotive innovation ecosystem for clean transportation solutions. Canada is committed to building a strong and reliable automotive and battery supply chain here in North America.”
“Volkswagen has been vigorously pushing the transformation to e-mobility,” said Volkswagen Group CEO Dr. Herbert Diess. “Working hand in hand with governments around the world is an absolute prerequisite to meet our climate goals. 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.”
“We see compliance with stringent sustainability criteria as a top priority,” said Volkswagen Group Board Member Thomas Schmall. “For us, the availability of power from renewable sources and a raw materials sector with mines supplying materials conforming to the globally recognized environmental and social standards are crucially important. That is why Canada is an ideal partner for our e-mobility and battery strategy.”
Source: Battery Tech News