Interesting...Volkswagen in EU battery allianceGerman car giant...

Interesting...

Volkswagen in EU battery alliance

German car giant Volkswagen said it would work with Swedish cell start-up Northvolt and other firms to develop batteries for electric cars in the European Union.

The Wolfsburg-based manufacturer said in a statement its “European Battery Union” (EBU) “will concentrate on the entire value chain for batteries -- from raw materials, via cell technology, all the way to recycling.” While VW said none of the other “partners from research and industry from seven EU member states” could yet be named publicly, a spokeswoman confirmed that no other carmakers were involved.

The statement confirmed that the group would apply for funding from the German economy ministry to cover the costs of bigger investments in research and development.

Berlin and other EU capitals including Paris fear foreign competitors, especially from Asia, could secure an unbeatable lead in the vital technology for future cars, leaving Germany’s powerful auto industry high and dry.

AFP