South Africa Seeks EU Partnership for EV Battery Value Chain
South Africa, responsible for over half of Africa's vehicle production, is pushing for a strategic partnership with Europe to develop an alternative value chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This move aims to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global battery cell production. The country's auto industry leaders are urging a coordinated national strategy to embrace the global EV supply chain.
BMW South Africa's CEO, Peter van Binsbergen, has proposed a joint EV battery strategy with Europe. This comes as South Africa seeks to position itself as a key player in the global EV supply chain, with global automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, and Toyota already producing models in the country for local and European markets. Britain and the European Union together consume nearly half of the vehicles South Africa produces, making Europe the largest export market for South African cars.
However, South Africa's new energy vehicle roadmap has not yet progressed, despite potential consumer subsidies and planned production incentives for hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Industry executives are calling for a coordinated national approach to EV development, highlighting the need for a strategic shift in the country's automotive sector.
South Africa's auto industry is looking to Europe for a joint strategic partnership to develop an alternative value chain for EV batteries, aiming to reduce dependence on China. With Europe being the largest market for South African cars, this cooperation could significantly boost the country's EV production and help it join the global EV supply chain.
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