Hyundai Motor signs lithium supply deal with Chinese firm

SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. said Friday it has signed a deal to receive lithium, key material for electric vehicle batteries, from a Chinese supplier.

Under the contract, Ganfeng Lithium Co. will supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide products to Hyundai for four years through Dec. 31, 2027, a company spokesperson said.

But the company did not provide the value of the contract and the volume of lithium to be delivered.

Last week, Hyundai also signed a four-year deal with Shenzhen Chengxin Lithium Group Co. to obtain the EV battery material amid global supply chain uncertainties.

Lithium hydroxide is used in manufacturing high-capacity EV batteries as it is easily synthesized with nickel.

kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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