LG Chem, Tesla tie-up could jolt Panasonic

Interesting that they don't have a quote from either company.

 

No sources at all?

< grumbles about state of "journalism" go here >

 

There were rumors of a Samsung tie-up too last year, but nothing came of that:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2015/02/133_173217.html

In general, it's not impossible for them to source similar cells, but suspect it'll be mainly to fill gaps while the Gigafactory is still building. Unless LG Chem also invests in the Gigafactory, Panasonic will still be the primary player.

 

Yeah, nothing seemed to come of the Samsung deal/rumor...

 

I think they are using Samsung cells: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2015/02/133_173217.html

They just need even more. It's funny, a bear argument is that "LG is going to supply all the other automakers once the demand for EVs materializes". But Tesla can guarantee much larger volumes for LG, so why wouldn't LG sell to the biggest player? This squeezes the cell supply for everyone else even more.

 

Which cites the Nikkei article, which has no sources.

 

Just the outside possibility of this should cause a pop in the stock tomorrow.

 

certainly possible. Good news for tesla.

 

According to this page, the LG Chem batteries are for the Roadster upgrade. Which makes some sense, Panasonic is probably maxxed out supplying Model S and X batteries and they want to get the Roadster upgrade going.

http://www.teslarati.com/tesla-partners-lg-chem-roadster-battery-upgrade/