This week sees the continuation of the strikes-electrification dichotomy, but need it be so? On the one hand, the ramp up towards the EV shift requires securing the mechanical, chemical and logistical infrastructure to bring it about, and on the other, the skills and expertise that act as executive.

People are central to the process. But as labour strikes expand across several locations and plants, the need to rebalance these aspects is pushing itself to the fore.

For example, Stellantis and Samsung SDI have selected Indiana as the location for their second Gigafactory in the United States. The recently established Gigafactory in Kokomo marks Stellantis' sixth battery facility worldwide, dedicated to bolstering the OEM's 'Dare Forward' electrification strategy.

The ambitious plan aims to achieve a 100% mix of battery-powered passenger car sales in Europe and a 50% mix for passenger cars and light trucks in the US by 2030. In pursuit of this goal, the automaker is actively pursuing the acquisition of 400 GWh of battery capacity. 

Then we have the West Midlands Gigafactory (WMG) revealing it is engaged in "advanced discussions" with major Asian battery manufacturers concerning potential investments at the critical electric vehicle site. WMG, a collaborative endeavour between Coventry Airport and Coventry City Council, is strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing electrification in the UK.

This recent announcement takes the facility one step closer to realising its full-scale production ambitions. But make no mistake, negotiations like these are not confined to local geographies and securing such partnerships is key to the global EV effort, tending to ripple throughout the value chain.

In this vein, AESC has signed an agreement with prominent battery materials producer, Umicore, which marks a significant development for BMW's North American EV battery supply chain. The collaboration ensures the local supply (without global effects) of cathode active battery materials. Given AESC's pivotal role in providing battery cells to BMW, the agreement fortifies BMW's access to vital battery components and enhances its position in the EV production sector.

Meanwhile, the North American strikes continue to spread. UAW has organised an extra 8,700 union workers to strike at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. The decision came after President Shawn Fain stated that the OEM had declined to make further concessions in the negotiations. The plant is responsible for producing Ford Super Duty pickup models, as well as the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

This move to strike the plant differs from the union's previous practice, which involved announcing new strikes weekly and imposing deadlines on the 'big three' carmakers before designating additional strike targets.

Another layer of added disruption and unpredictability...

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