General Motors (GM) will import batteries from China for one of its low-cost electric vehicles as a temporary measure, despite the high tariffs imposed by the U.S.
According to the “Wall Street Journal,” the American automotive giant will import batteries from CATL for two years for the second generation of the 100% electric Chevrolet Bolt, until General Motors and its South Korean partner LG Energy Solution can produce low-cost batteries in the U.S.
The new electric Bolt will hit the market in early 2026 and will be produced at GM’s factory in Fairfax, Kansas, and will be the most affordable model from the American brand.
GM stated that the agreement with CATL is only a temporary measure, as it works to produce low-cost batteries using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.
However, due to the trade war initiated by President Donald Trump, GM will have to face high tariffs imposed on imports from China. In the case of batteries for fully electric vehicles from China, the U.S. has imposed tariffs of about 80%.
