Tesla is pressuring its battery supplier Panasonic to expedite the launch of its factory in Kansas, USA. If the Kansas plant begins operations ahead of schedule, Korean companies such as L&F, EcoPro BM, and POSCO Future M are expected to benefit.
According to the Financial Times on the 16th, Yuki Kusumi, CEO of Panasonic Holdings Group, said in a recent interview with foreign media in Tokyo, “We are hurrying because Tesla asked us to bring the Kansas plant online as soon as possible.”
Panasonic’s Kansas plant is a 2170 cylindrical battery production facility, with mass production scheduled to begin in the first half of the year. A total of $4 billion has been invested, and once completed, the plant is expected to become the world’s largest electric vehicle battery factory.
Tesla is pushing for an early start to ensure a stable battery supply chain within the United States. Although recent tariff negotiations between the U.S. and China have somewhat eased trade tensions, tariffs on EV batteries remain unchanged, making local supply chain expansion crucial.
If Panasonic proceeds with an early launch of the Kansas plant, Korean cathode material manufacturers may be added to its supply chain. Panasonic has previously sourced cathode materials from Japanese battery materials company SMM, but an earlier-than-expected plant launch may require the company to secure additional suppliers.
According to multiple securities reports, Panasonic has already entered into supply negotiations with Korean cathode material manufacturers, with L&F, EcoPro BM, and POSCO Future M identified as likely beneficiaries.
