Study: EU can become independent in e-car batteries

BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) – The European environmental organization Transport & Environment (T&E) is calling for greater support from Brussels for independent car battery production in the EU. By 2027, it said, the community of nations could end its dependence on lithium-ion batteries from Chinese manufacturers. However, manufacturers such as U.S. electric pioneer Tesla and Swedish start-up Northvolt could also turn even more toward the U.S. given high subsidy opportunities in the United States, according to a report released Tuesday by the organization. Half of the lithium-ion batteries used in the EU are also already made in Europe, it said. “But the Inflation Reduction Act has changed the rules of the game,” said T&E Germany chief Sebastian Bock, referring to U.S. subsidies. “More funding needs to be provided in Europe or we risk losing planned battery factories and jobs to…

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