Global Energy Storage: Battery Weekly 19 October

This weekly flashmail reviews key developments across the global energy storage and battery value chain. In North America, GM is tapping South Korean suppliers for next-generation prismatic LMR batteries targeted for 2028 mass production in Tennessee; LG Energy Solution is restructuring its ESS equipment supplier base after a key supplier default; Factorial is expanding its solid-state pilot line with Korean equipment partners; Trafigura signed a long-term lithium supply agreement with EnergyX; and Rivian expanded battery recycling with Redwood Materials. In Asia, Chinese lithium prices fell after the EU-China deal restricting hybrid vehicle exports, Changan and CATL plan to expand joint capacity to 75GWh, BMW began Gen6 battery production in Shenyang, GBT started series production of all-solid-state cells, Seres extended its CATL partnership, and Nio set battery-swap records over the holiday. In Europe, Europe's roughly US$40bn battery investment is positioned for a strong winter on h