[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":2126},["ShallowReactive",2],{"ticker-data":3,"story-authors/will-roberts":540,"stories-article-article/-content.date:desc-will-roberts":561},[4,52,82,112,148,186,228,259,296,328,371,412,450,481,510],{"publishedDate":5,"updateFrequency":6,"updateFrequencyText":7,"label":8,"today":9,"last":10,"percentageChange":11,"yearToDate":12,"yearOnYear":13,"oneYearIndexTrend":14,"url":48,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2026-05-27","2wk","Updated every 2 weeks","Lithium",411.01,408.51,0.61,75.85,175.57,[15,16,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45],{"date":5,"value":9},{"date":17,"value":10},"2026-05-13",{"date":19,"value":20},"2026-04-29",372.51,{"date":22,"value":23},"2026-04-15",354.35,{"date":25,"value":26},"2026-04-01",346.55,{"date":28,"value":29},"2026-03-18",351.32,{"date":31,"value":32},"2026-03-04",346.6,{"date":34,"value":35},"2026-02-18",324,{"date":37,"value":38},"2026-02-04",337.67,{"date":40,"value":41},"2026-01-21",298.32,{"date":43,"value":44},"2026-01-07",233.73,{"date":46,"value":47},"2025-12-24",203.79,"/lithium/prices",null,false,true,{"publishedDate":5,"updateFrequency":6,"updateFrequencyText":7,"label":53,"today":54,"last":55,"percentageChange":56,"yearToDate":57,"yearOnYear":58,"oneYearIndexTrend":59,"url":48,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"Lithium Carbonate",449.85,451.12,-0.28,77.12,181.56,[60,61,62,64,66,68,70,72,74,76,78,80],{"date":5,"value":54},{"date":17,"value":55},{"date":19,"value":63},404.38,{"date":22,"value":65},381.25,{"date":25,"value":67},371.52,{"date":28,"value":69},373.01,{"date":31,"value":71},366.63,{"date":34,"value":73},349.17,{"date":37,"value":75},356.81,{"date":40,"value":77},316.73,{"date":43,"value":79},253.98,{"date":46,"value":81},220.12,{"publishedDate":5,"updateFrequency":6,"updateFrequencyText":7,"label":83,"today":84,"last":85,"percentageChange":86,"yearToDate":87,"yearOnYear":88,"oneYearIndexTrend":89,"url":48,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"Lithium Hydroxide",358.35,350.28,2.3,76.32,168.94,[90,91,92,94,96,98,100,102,104,106,108,110],{"date":5,"value":84},{"date":17,"value":85},{"date":19,"value":93},328.09,{"date":22,"value":95},316.95,{"date":25,"value":97},311.86,{"date":28,"value":99},321.41,{"date":31,"value":101},319.14,{"date":34,"value":103},295.42,{"date":37,"value":105},310,{"date":40,"value":107},270.4,{"date":43,"value":109},203.24,{"date":46,"value":111},177.17,{"publishedDate":19,"updateFrequency":113,"updateFrequencyText":114,"label":115,"today":116,"last":117,"percentageChange":118,"yearToDate":119,"yearOnYear":120,"oneYearIndexTrend":121,"url":147,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"1wk","Updated every week","Cobalt",244.61,252.61,-3.17,3.99,97.72,[122,123,124,127,129,132,133,136,138,141,143,146],{"date":19,"value":116},{"date":25,"value":117},{"date":125,"value":126},"2026-03-25",252.45,{"date":28,"value":128},252.84,{"date":130,"value":131},"2026-03-11",253.48,{"date":31,"value":126},{"date":134,"value":135},"2026-02-25",256.64,{"date":34,"value":137},255.58,{"date":139,"value":140},"2026-02-11",253.31,{"date":37,"value":142},252.26,{"date":144,"value":145},"2026-01-28",241.15,{"date":40,"value":145},"/cobalt/prices",{"publishedDate":149,"updateFrequency":6,"updateFrequencyText":7,"label":150,"today":151,"last":152,"percentageChange":153,"yearToDate":154,"yearOnYear":155,"oneYearIndexTrend":156,"url":185,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2026-05-20","Nickel",135.83,133.05,2.09,12.5,30.68,[157,158,160,163,166,168,170,172,174,176,179,182],{"date":149,"value":151},{"date":159,"value":152},"2026-05-06",{"date":161,"value":162},"2026-04-22",125.43,{"date":164,"value":165},"2026-04-08",124.51,{"date":125,"value":167},123.94,{"date":130,"value":169},123.51,{"date":134,"value":171},122.7,{"date":139,"value":173},123.79,{"date":144,"value":175},128.07,{"date":177,"value":178},"2026-01-14",120.74,{"date":180,"value":181},"2025-12-31",104.29,{"date":183,"value":184},"2025-12-17",103.44,"/nickel/prices",{"publishedDate":187,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":189,"today":190,"last":191,"percentageChange":192,"yearToDate":193,"yearOnYear":194,"oneYearIndexTrend":195,"url":227,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2026-04-30","monthly","Natural Graphite",82.93,82.39,0.66,1.66,-0.87,[196,197,199,202,205,207,210,212,215,218,221,224],{"date":187,"value":190},{"date":198,"value":191},"2026-03-31",{"date":200,"value":201},"2026-02-27",81.92,{"date":203,"value":204},"2026-01-30",81.69,{"date":180,"value":206},81.58,{"date":208,"value":209},"2025-11-28",81.35,{"date":211,"value":209},"2025-10-31",{"date":213,"value":214},"2025-09-30",81.74,{"date":216,"value":217},"2025-08-29",81.56,{"date":219,"value":220},"2025-07-31",82.47,{"date":222,"value":223},"2025-06-30",83.13,{"date":225,"value":226},"2025-05-30",83.77,"/natural-graphite/prices",{"publishedDate":187,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":229,"today":230,"last":231,"percentageChange":232,"yearToDate":233,"yearOnYear":234,"oneYearIndexTrend":235,"url":258,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"Anode Coke",84.01,79.79,5.29,12.86,12.75,[236,237,238,240,242,244,246,248,250,252,254,256],{"date":187,"value":230},{"date":198,"value":231},{"date":200,"value":239},75.72,{"date":203,"value":241},74.61,{"date":180,"value":243},74.44,{"date":208,"value":245},76,{"date":211,"value":247},72.75,{"date":213,"value":249},71.92,{"date":216,"value":251},71.46,{"date":219,"value":253},70.35,{"date":222,"value":255},67.35,{"date":225,"value":257},65.78,"/synthetic-graphite/prices",{"publishedDate":260,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":261,"today":262,"last":263,"percentageChange":264,"yearToDate":265,"yearOnYear":265,"oneYearIndexTrend":266,"url":295,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2025-11-17","Anode",77.79,77.96,-0.22,-1.93,[267,268,270,272,274,277,280,282,284,287,290,292],{"date":260,"value":262},{"date":269,"value":263},"2025-10-15",{"date":271,"value":263},"2025-09-15",{"date":273,"value":263},"2025-08-15",{"date":275,"value":276},"2025-07-15",77.93,{"date":278,"value":279},"2025-06-16",78.88,{"date":281,"value":279},"2025-05-15",{"date":283,"value":279},"2025-04-15",{"date":285,"value":286},"2025-03-17",79.89,{"date":288,"value":289},"2025-02-17",78.97,{"date":291,"value":289},"2025-01-15",{"date":293,"value":294},"2024-12-16",79.32,"/anode/prices",{"publishedDate":297,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":298,"today":299,"last":300,"percentageChange":301,"yearToDate":301,"yearOnYear":302,"oneYearIndexTrend":303,"url":327,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2026-01-15","Cathode",72.79,64.08,13.59,43.38,[304,305,307,309,311,313,315,317,318,320,322,325],{"date":297,"value":299},{"date":306,"value":300},"2025-12-15",{"date":260,"value":308},62.01,{"date":269,"value":310},53.51,{"date":271,"value":312},49.5,{"date":273,"value":314},47.28,{"date":275,"value":316},46.05,{"date":278,"value":316},{"date":281,"value":319},48.08,{"date":283,"value":321},48.92,{"date":323,"value":324},"2025-03-18",52.79,{"date":288,"value":326},50.86,"/cathode/prices",{"publishedDate":329,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":330,"today":331,"last":332,"percentageChange":333,"yearToDate":334,"yearOnYear":335,"oneYearIndexTrend":336,"url":370,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2025-03-31","Lithium ion Batteries",74.53,71.3,4.53,-1.6,-20.88,[337,338,340,343,346,349,352,355,358,361,364,367],{"date":329,"value":331},{"date":339,"value":332},"2025-02-28",{"date":341,"value":342},"2025-01-31",71.45,{"date":344,"value":345},"2024-12-31",75.74,{"date":347,"value":348},"2024-11-29",76.98,{"date":350,"value":351},"2024-10-31",77.34,{"date":353,"value":354},"2024-09-30",77.43,{"date":356,"value":357},"2024-08-30",80.56,{"date":359,"value":360},"2024-07-31",82.99,{"date":362,"value":363},"2024-06-28",87.2,{"date":365,"value":366},"2024-05-31",90.7,{"date":368,"value":369},"2024-04-30",93.2,"/battery-gigafactory/prices",{"publishedDate":372,"updateFrequency":6,"updateFrequencyText":7,"label":373,"today":374,"last":375,"percentageChange":376,"yearToDate":377,"yearOnYear":378,"oneYearIndexTrend":379,"url":411,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2026-05-21","Black Mass",54.15,51.47,5.21,25.5,92.33,[380,381,383,386,389,392,395,398,401,404,406,408],{"date":372,"value":374},{"date":382,"value":375},"2026-05-07",{"date":384,"value":385},"2026-04-23",48.63,{"date":387,"value":388},"2026-04-09",48.6,{"date":390,"value":391},"2026-03-26",47.29,{"date":393,"value":394},"2026-03-12",46.18,{"date":396,"value":397},"2026-02-26",45.8,{"date":399,"value":400},"2026-02-12",47.34,{"date":402,"value":403},"2026-01-29",49.57,{"date":297,"value":405},43.15,{"date":180,"value":407},47.05,{"date":409,"value":410},"2025-12-18",41.51,"/recycling/black-mass-prices",{"publishedDate":413,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":414,"today":415,"last":416,"percentageChange":417,"yearToDate":418,"yearOnYear":419,"oneYearIndexTrend":420,"url":449,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"2026-03-19","Rare Earths",172.27,182.38,-5.54,20.73,54.49,[421,422,424,427,430,432,435,437,440,443,445,447],{"date":413,"value":415},{"date":423,"value":416},"2026-03-05",{"date":425,"value":426},"2026-02-19",179.86,{"date":428,"value":429},"2026-02-05",155.4,{"date":431,"value":429},"2026-01-22",{"date":433,"value":434},"2026-01-08",145.37,{"date":46,"value":436},142.69,{"date":438,"value":439},"2025-12-11",141.67,{"date":441,"value":442},"2025-11-27",136.29,{"date":211,"value":444},132.15,{"date":213,"value":446},139.82,{"date":216,"value":448},145.27,"/rare-earths/prices",{"publishedDate":213,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":451,"today":452,"last":453,"percentageChange":454,"yearToDate":455,"yearOnYear":456,"oneYearIndexTrend":457,"url":370,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"LFP",111.93,124.92,-10.4,-2.67,-3.42,[458,459,460,462,464,466,469,471,473,475,477,479],{"date":213,"value":452},{"date":216,"value":453},{"date":219,"value":461},109.9,{"date":222,"value":463},100.47,{"date":225,"value":465},103.62,{"date":467,"value":468},"2025-04-30",109.47,{"date":329,"value":470},115.87,{"date":339,"value":472},117.3,{"date":341,"value":474},114.57,{"date":344,"value":476},115,{"date":347,"value":478},117.82,{"date":350,"value":480},111.9,{"publishedDate":213,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":482,"today":483,"last":484,"percentageChange":485,"yearToDate":486,"yearOnYear":487,"oneYearIndexTrend":488,"url":370,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"NCM High-Nickel",99.44,96.91,2.61,2.37,-3.84,[489,490,491,493,495,497,499,501,503,505,506,508],{"date":213,"value":483},{"date":216,"value":484},{"date":219,"value":492},97.09,{"date":222,"value":494},94.93,{"date":225,"value":496},97.13,{"date":467,"value":498},97.89,{"date":329,"value":500},101.4,{"date":339,"value":502},93.25,{"date":341,"value":504},98.94,{"date":344,"value":496},{"date":347,"value":507},98.69,{"date":350,"value":509},101.87,{"publishedDate":213,"updateFrequency":188,"updateFrequencyText":188,"label":511,"today":512,"last":513,"percentageChange":514,"yearToDate":515,"yearOnYear":516,"oneYearIndexTrend":517,"url":370,"subscription":49,"isProtected":50,"hasAccess":51},"NCM Mid-Nickel",103.5,99.73,3.78,13.78,6.78,[518,519,520,522,524,526,528,530,532,534,536,538],{"date":213,"value":512},{"date":216,"value":513},{"date":219,"value":521},99.19,{"date":222,"value":523},96.02,{"date":225,"value":525},98.23,{"date":467,"value":527},99.24,{"date":329,"value":529},101.29,{"date":339,"value":531},87.61,{"date":341,"value":533},92.44,{"date":344,"value":535},90.96,{"date":347,"value":537},92.24,{"date":350,"value":539},95.09,{"id":541,"uuid":542,"name":543,"slug":544,"full_slug":545,"content":546,"relatedArticles":559,"relatedVideos":560},153368967337686,"5d61bc60-93c5-4487-93f1-b71f3218a8a5","Will Roberts","will-roberts","authors/will-roberts",{"x":547,"bio":548,"_uid":549,"email":547,"image":550,"linkedin":555,"component":556,"job_title":557,"markets_covered":558,"certification_name":547,"certification_recoginition":547,"certification_recoginition_url":547,"formattedDate":547,"formattedArticleDate":547},"","Will is part of the EV & Battery research team. As Automotive Research Lead, he manages all aspects of the team's view on global vehicle markets. Will leads forecasting for both the total vehicle market globally as well as electrified vehicles and works extensively on electric vehicle and battery market analysis, with a particular focus on the effects of legislation in the North American & European markets and, auto OEM strategy in the transition to EV. In addition, Will is also leading research in EV motors, vehicle platforms and systems. Will graduated from the University of Exeter, with a BSc in Physics and MSc in Mechanical Engineering.","c3739079-3fb9-42ca-9631-0aebd66a3430",{"id":551,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":552,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":554,"is_external_url":50},156635032690412,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/852x854/474a3cfca2/will-r.png","asset",{},"https://www.linkedin.com/in/willroberts227/","author","Automotive Research Lead","EV and Battery",[],[],[562,829,1107,1493,1668,1999],{"id":563,"uuid":564,"name":565,"slug":566,"full_slug":567,"content":568},179292261980150,"f128bb5d-bb4f-4ac4-9c56-ded8ce39e790","Life in the FaSTLAne? Stellantis Investor Day 2026 ","life-in-the-fastlane-stellantis-investor-day-2026","article/life-in-the-fastlane-stellantis-investor-day-2026",{"_uid":569,"date":570,"tags":571,"editor":584,"content":594,"excerpt":805,"featured":51,"reporter":806,"component":810,"seo_title":565,"categories":811,"visibility":818,"data_vis_image":819,"featured_image":823,"seo_description":827,"formattedDate":828},"4a120561-a434-4088-94e2-006b52fb93a5","2026-05-22 00:00",[572,575,578,581],{"slug":573,"name":574},"stellantis","Stellantis",{"slug":576,"name":577},"europe","Europe",{"slug":579,"name":580},"north-america","North America",{"slug":582,"name":583},"data-visualisation","Data Visualisation",[585],{"slug":586,"name":587,"content":588},"matthew-bird","Matthew Bird",{"job_title":589,"image":590,"bio":592,"linkedin":593},"Senior Editor - Supply Chains & Data Visualisation",{"filename":591},"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/512x512/14738033ec/matthew-bird.jpeg","Matthew writes, edits and produces content for Benchmark Intelligence and Benchmark Source across the whole mine to grid supply chain. He also acts as a liaison to the press. He has a PhD in electrochemistry from the University of Nottingham.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/birdmatthew/",{"type":595,"content":596},"doc",[597,637,646,656,673,681,689,702,710,732,740,762,770,776,789,797],{"type":598,"attrs":599,"content":600},"paragraph",{"textAlign":49},[601,608,615,620,632],{"text":602,"type":603,"marks":604},"Stellantis used its Investor Day on 21","text",[605],{"type":606,"attrs":607},"textStyle",{"color":547},{"text":609,"type":603,"marks":610},"st",[611,613],{"type":606,"attrs":612},{"color":547},{"type":614},"superscript",{"text":616,"type":603,"marks":617}," May in Auburn Hills Michigan to unveil FaSTLAne 2030, a €60 billion (~$70 billion) strategic plan that attempts to be all things to all markets. Strategies are now clearly ",[618],{"type":606,"attrs":619},{"color":547},{"text":621,"type":603,"marks":622},"realigned by region",[623,630],{"type":624,"attrs":625},"link",{"href":626,"uuid":627,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/global-ev-sales-reached-1-60-million-units-in-april-2026","7b51be3e-c55e-4a7f-b883-41de91b7447e","_self","story",{"type":606,"attrs":631},{"color":547},{"text":633,"type":603,"marks":634}," with a return to muscle in the US, and a multi-energy product offensive with a distinctive battery electric vehicle (BEV) spin in Europe.  ",[635],{"type":606,"attrs":636},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":638,"content":640},{"textAlign":639},"left",[641],{"text":642,"type":603,"marks":643},"“FaSTLAne 2030 is a much-needed reorganisation of a firm that has been itching for a reset since the Tavares era,” said Will Roberts, Benchmark’s automotive research lead. “Creating separate pathways for North America and Europe is a clear win in the near term, where the product roadmaps look well suited for both. However, the diversification may further fragment a group of brands which have not always been pulling in the same direction, especially in the context of longer-term electrification.”",[644],{"type":606,"attrs":645},{"color":547},{"type":647,"attrs":648},"blok",{"id":649,"body":650},"581b2db1-4200-4e43-98f7-b4c4fe6ff611",[651],{"id":652,"_uid":653,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"29090190","i-aa82ce4f-2023-41d0-b69d-69c0d7d2766f","visualisation","ContentFlourish",{"type":657,"attrs":658,"content":660},"heading",{"level":659,"textAlign":639},2,[661,668],{"text":662,"type":603,"marks":663},"STLA ONE ",[664,666],{"type":606,"attrs":665},{"color":547},{"type":667},"bold",{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":670}," ",[671],{"type":606,"attrs":672},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":674,"content":675},{"textAlign":639},[676],{"text":677,"type":603,"marks":678},"A centrepiece announcement was STLA One, a new modular architecture covering B, C and D vehicle segments. It will launch in 2027 and target 30+ models and two million units by 2035. It consolidates the previous STLA Small/Medium/Large family into a multi-energy design. The platform targets 20% cost efficiency through modularity and has 800-volt capability. LFP is the main chemistry and efficiency will be enhanced by leaning on cell-to-body integration. ",[679],{"type":606,"attrs":680},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":682,"content":683},{"textAlign":639},[684],{"text":685,"type":603,"marks":686},"The shift to LFP was expected as Stellantis has been looking in this direction for some time, its joint venture cell manufacturing facility with CATL in Spain broke ground in November last year.  ",[687],{"type":606,"attrs":688},{"color":547},{"type":657,"attrs":690,"content":691},{"level":659,"textAlign":639},[692,698],{"text":693,"type":603,"marks":694},"Product offensive Europe families vs. US muscle",[695,697],{"type":606,"attrs":696},{"color":547},{"type":667},{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":699},[700],{"type":606,"attrs":701},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":703,"content":704},{"textAlign":639},[705],{"text":706,"type":603,"marks":707},"In Europe, the multi-energy strategy runs across the brand portfolio. Peugeot will get seven new models including two B-segment BEVs to sit alongside the 208/2008 family. Citroën will revive the 2CV, the latest European affordable BEV retro revival – an exciting proposition which consumers have embraced when done well (see Renault 5) or rejected when seen as a misstep (see Ford Capri).   ",[708],{"type":606,"attrs":709},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":711,"content":712},{"textAlign":639},[713,718,727],{"text":714,"type":603,"marks":715},"Opel will add a BEV C-SUV via its ",[716],{"type":606,"attrs":717},{"color":547},{"text":719,"type":603,"marks":720},"Leapmotor",[721,725],{"type":624,"attrs":722},{"href":723,"uuid":724,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/byd-joins-queue-of-chinese-oems-eyeing-underutilised-european-vehicle-plants","a540f8b0-5845-4627-87de-51a7252fba2c",{"type":606,"attrs":726},{"color":547},{"text":728,"type":603,"marks":729}," partnership. One of a couple of projects which explicitly \"leverages the Chinese EV ecosystem\". This captures two new core strategic components, cost efficiency and partnerships.  ",[730],{"type":606,"attrs":731},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":733,"content":734},{"textAlign":639},[735],{"text":736,"type":603,"marks":737},"The concern in Europe isn't ambition, it’s sprawl. Part of the plan reduces ICE/HEV exclusive families by 40% while maintaining full market coverage. That means layering more powertrains across more model lines. Stellantis already operates one of the most complex multi-powertrain portfolios in the industry.  ",[738],{"type":606,"attrs":739},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":741,"content":742},{"textAlign":639},[743,748,757],{"text":744,"type":603,"marks":745},"In the US, the product offensive reads very differently. ",[746],{"type":606,"attrs":747},{"color":547},{"text":749,"type":603,"marks":750},"Range-extended EV (REEV)",[751,755],{"type":624,"attrs":752},{"href":753,"uuid":754,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/range-extended-electric-vehicles-reevs-to-play-an-increasing-role-in-europe-and-the-usa-after-significant-china-growth","1c2cc548-2275-47bb-a337-77c61fbdf56a",{"type":606,"attrs":756},{"color":547},{"text":758,"type":603,"marks":759}," pickups featured, but not front and centre. Compact and mid-size trucks and, more notably, a new vehicle category branded \"Muscle Trucks\" are the headlines. Three new Chrysler crossovers arrive with no confirmed EV powertrains, though as they are labelled as ‘multi-energy’ they could be candidates for REEVs, replacing the recently discontinued Pacifica PHEV.  ",[760],{"type":606,"attrs":761},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":763,"content":764},{"textAlign":639},[765],{"text":766,"type":603,"marks":767},"The US pullback on BEV is strategically aligned with the regulatory environment, and the US is identified as Stellantis’ key growth market. However, complete silence on a longer-term US EV pathway is a risk Stellantis may be underweighting. If and when the policy pendulum swings back, the company could find itself with a Europe-centric EV infrastructure it cannot efficiently transplant westward, replicating the underwhelming EV strategy seen in the US of late.",[768],{"type":606,"attrs":769},{"color":547},{"type":647,"attrs":771},{"id":649,"body":772},[773],{"id":774,"_uid":775,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"29090306","i-a6d16bdc-8a57-427f-a4fc-4b1bfb47033a",{"type":657,"attrs":777,"content":778},{"level":659,"textAlign":639},[779,785],{"text":780,"type":603,"marks":781},"Partnerships",[782,784],{"type":606,"attrs":783},{"color":547},{"type":667},{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":786},[787],{"type":606,"attrs":788},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":790,"content":791},{"textAlign":639},[792],{"text":793,"type":603,"marks":794},"Two announcements stand out. The Stellantis-JLR North America collaboration covering product and technology development is intriguing. The US is a big market for JLR and they may be looking to hedge against an evolving tariff and trade relationship between the UK and US. The most plausible setup is shared platform production, with JLR models built on Stellantis' US manufacturing footprint, giving JLR local content benefits and Stellantis better plant utilisation.  ",[795],{"type":606,"attrs":796},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":798,"content":799},{"textAlign":639},[800],{"text":801,"type":603,"marks":802},"The Dongfeng European JV is arguably larger in the medium term covering shared sales and distribution, manufacturing, purchasing and engineering. It is a significantly deeper integration than most European OEMs have managed with Chinese partners outside China. Stellantis is running ahead of other European OEMs on this front, now with two established Chinese partners for deeply integrated commercial activities outside of China.",[803],{"type":606,"attrs":804},{"color":547},"Stellantis used its Investor Day on 21st May in Auburn Hills Michigan to unveil FaSTLAne 2030, a €60 billion (~$70 billion) strategic plan that attempts to be all things to all markets. Strategies are now clearly realigned by region with a return to muscle in the US, and a multi-energy product offensive with a distinctive battery electric vehicle (BEV) spin in Europe.  \n\n“FaSTLAne 2030 is a much-needed reorganisation of a firm that has been itching for a reset since the Tavares era,” said Will Roberts, Benchmark’s automotive research lead. “Creating separate pathways for North America and Europe is a clear win in the near term, where the product roadmaps look well suited for both. However, the diversification may further fragment a group of brands which have not always been pulling in the same direction, especially in the context of longer-term electrification.” ",[807],{"slug":544,"name":543,"content":808},{"job_title":557,"image":809,"bio":548,"linkedin":555,"markets_covered":558},{"filename":552},"article",[812,815],{"slug":813,"name":814},"ev","EV",{"slug":816,"name":817},"batteries","Batteries","private",{"id":820,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":821,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":822,"is_external_url":50},179298301391702,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/1590x1150/062fb3e6f6/stellantis-regional-sales-2x.png",{},{"id":824,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":825,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":826,"is_external_url":50},179292762034711,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/8192x5464/4644aeb551/peugeot_e308_2508cv_507_fr-1.jpg",{},"Stellantis used its Investor Day on 21st May in Auburn Hills Michigan to unveil FaSTLAne 2030, a €60 billion (~$70 billion) strategic plan that attempts to be all things to all markets.","May 22, 2026",{"id":830,"uuid":831,"name":832,"slug":833,"full_slug":834,"content":835},163775332777514,"3b25b657-92e9-4b2a-9fe0-95c159fc48ef","Clear uptick in March BEV sales reported so far as the Iran war impacts petrol prices","clear-uptick-in-march-bev-sales-reported-so-far-as-the-iran-war-impacts-petrol-prices","article/clear-uptick-in-march-bev-sales-reported-so-far-as-the-iran-war-impacts-petrol-prices",{"_uid":836,"date":837,"tags":838,"editor":846,"content":850,"excerpt":1085,"featured":51,"reporter":1086,"component":810,"seo_title":1090,"categories":1091,"visibility":1097,"data_vis_image":1098,"featured_image":1102,"seo_description":856,"formattedDate":1106},"2182a127-b142-4487-847a-436427db2f79","2026-04-08 00:00",[839,842,845],{"slug":840,"name":841},"middle-east","Middle East",{"slug":843,"name":844},"ev-sales","EV Sales",{"slug":582,"name":583},[847],{"slug":586,"name":587,"content":848},{"job_title":589,"image":849,"bio":592,"linkedin":593},{"filename":591},{"type":595,"content":851},[852,861,897,947,954,976,984,992,1000,1008,1014,1022,1030,1038,1046,1054,1062,1072],{"type":598,"attrs":853,"content":854},{"textAlign":49},[855],{"text":856,"type":603,"marks":857},"Higher petrol prices and the threat of supply disruption have made consumers think twice about buying new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and instead consider buying a battery electric vehicle (BEV).",[858],{"type":606,"attrs":859},{"color":860},"#000000",{"type":598,"attrs":862,"content":863},{"textAlign":49},[864,869,878,883,892],{"text":865,"type":603,"marks":866},"Early data releases covering BEV sales around the world for March 2026 show a clear uptick in interest due to the ",[867],{"type":606,"attrs":868},{"color":860},{"text":870,"type":603,"marks":871},"ongoing conflict in the Middle East",[872,876],{"type":624,"attrs":873},{"href":874,"uuid":875,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/middle-east-escalation-disrupts-energy-storage-deployment-and-chinese-overseas-expansion","16e5191e-fffd-47f2-953d-ca1adb9595a5",{"type":606,"attrs":877},{"color":860},{"text":879,"type":603,"marks":880}," and the closure of the ",[881],{"type":606,"attrs":882},{"color":860},{"text":884,"type":603,"marks":885},"Strait of Hormuz",[886,890],{"type":624,"attrs":887},{"href":888,"uuid":889,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/what-does-the-middle-east-conflict-mean-for-battery-supply-chains-","3ba99529-b0e2-4bd1-b7d2-2189b7845e75",{"type":606,"attrs":891},{"color":860},{"text":893,"type":603,"marks":894},".",[895],{"type":606,"attrs":896},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":898,"content":899},{"textAlign":49},[900,905,914,919,928,933,942],{"text":901,"type":603,"marks":902},"Almost every market with released data has so far shown a greater ",[903],{"type":606,"attrs":904},{"color":860},{"text":906,"type":603,"marks":907},"year-on-year increase",[908,912],{"type":624,"attrs":909},{"href":910,"uuid":911,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/videos/which-regions-have-the-fastest-growing-ev-markets-","be85ddf9-b2d5-41ce-b184-6d0c8c8ee4dc",{"type":606,"attrs":913},{"color":860},{"text":915,"type":603,"marks":916}," after the start of the war in Iran (based on March registrations) than before the war began (based on ",[917],{"type":606,"attrs":918},{"color":860},{"text":920,"type":603,"marks":921},"January",[922,926],{"type":624,"attrs":923},{"href":924,"uuid":925,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/global-ev-sales-reached-1-2-million-units-in-the-opening-month-of-2026","b27e8012-ca1b-4c7c-9200-1f5ccdbc7c24",{"type":606,"attrs":927},{"color":860},{"text":929,"type":603,"marks":930}," and ",[931],{"type":606,"attrs":932},{"color":860},{"text":934,"type":603,"marks":935},"February",[936,940],{"type":624,"attrs":937},{"href":938,"uuid":939,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/global-ev-sales-reached-1-1-million-units-in-february-2026","c67ac4c5-ec20-418f-8ffb-364460a1918c",{"type":606,"attrs":941},{"color":860},{"text":943,"type":603,"marks":944}," registrations).",[945],{"type":606,"attrs":946},{"color":860},{"type":647,"attrs":948},{"id":949,"body":950},"7452d635-6f0d-4448-b106-f3f5827a9e74",[951],{"id":952,"_uid":953,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"28426345","i-cbfffc08-6ab8-4ac1-bac3-c4cc2f1b3914",{"type":598,"attrs":955,"content":956},{"textAlign":49},[957,962,971],{"text":958,"type":603,"marks":959},"Petrol prices previously spiked as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though the impact this had on EV sales was more muted. Compared to then, the ",[960],{"type":606,"attrs":961},{"color":860},{"text":963,"type":603,"marks":964},"EV market is more mature",[965,969],{"type":624,"attrs":966},{"href":967,"uuid":968,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/the-ev-market-past-present-and-future","fe291a62-d1e1-42fc-bf34-907bb7976f84",{"type":606,"attrs":970},{"color":860},{"text":972,"type":603,"marks":973}," with broader consumer acceptance creating ideal conditions for BEVs to be a clearer choice.",[974],{"type":606,"attrs":975},{"color":860},{"type":657,"attrs":977,"content":978},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[979],{"text":980,"type":603,"marks":981},"How does this trend differ by country?",[982],{"type":606,"attrs":983},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":985,"content":986},{"textAlign":49},[987],{"text":988,"type":603,"marks":989},"New Zealand’s increase in March BEV registrations has been the standout in terms of year-on-year growth rates, surging by 263% compared to the same month last year. At the end of February, the country saw an increase in sales of 20% for the year, however after March, that growth rate is now more than 100% compared to 2025.",[990],{"type":606,"attrs":991},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":993,"content":994},{"textAlign":49},[995],{"text":996,"type":603,"marks":997},"Since the start of the war, with petrol prices rising by over 20%, Oceania in general has been among the first to face concern over supplies at the pump if the Strait does not reopen soon with a significant portion of refining capabilities offshored.",[998],{"type":606,"attrs":999},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1001,"content":1002},{"textAlign":49},[1003],{"text":1004,"type":603,"marks":1005},"Australia also saw a significant year-on-year growth rate, with 89% more BEV sales than March 2025. However, this actually represented a lower growth rate than the country had been experiencing so far this year as the first two months of 2025 were already very strong, with 111% growth albeit from a lower base. March 2025 is now a record month for Australian BEV registrations, more than 2,000 higher than the previous record set in June last year.",[1006],{"type":606,"attrs":1007},{"color":860},{"type":647,"attrs":1009},{"id":949,"body":1010},[1011],{"id":1012,"_uid":1013,"type":629,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"3641027","i-a6dba811-7b25-47b5-ac7a-cc48c2f8d509",{"type":598,"attrs":1015,"content":1016},{"textAlign":49},[1017],{"text":1018,"type":603,"marks":1019},"Although the impact on BEV sales in Europe has been more muted, the trend is still present. One stand-out has been Norway, which reversed a severe negative trend caused by changes to purchase tax incentives. It had been down 44% in the first two months, but March ended 51% higher than March 2025. This indicates the concern from consumers is more than enough to override lower incentive structures, even in markets that are very well progressed towards EVs.",[1020],{"type":606,"attrs":1021},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1023,"content":1024},{"textAlign":49},[1025],{"text":1026,"type":603,"marks":1027},"The UK followed its typical seasonality with a huge increase in sales in March coinciding with the release of new number plates. While sales were up 265% month on month, this was equivalent to 18% growth compared to March 2025, again reversing a negative year-to-date trend of -1% from the end of February.",[1028],{"type":606,"attrs":1029},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1031,"content":1032},{"textAlign":49},[1033],{"text":1034,"type":603,"marks":1035},"In France, although petrol prices have risen, some suppliers like TotalEnergies have introduced price caps. This spurred widespread ‘panic buying’ leading to reports of supply disruptions at the pump. Sales of BEVs in France jumped 69% YoY, although already off to a strong start thanks to new subsidy schemes, this still far outpaces the 36% growth seen for the January and February compared to the same period last year.",[1036],{"type":606,"attrs":1037},{"color":860},{"type":657,"attrs":1039,"content":1040},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1041],{"text":1042,"type":603,"marks":1043},"Is the trend expected for other countries?",[1044],{"type":606,"attrs":1045},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1047,"content":1048},{"textAlign":49},[1049],{"text":1050,"type":603,"marks":1051},"There are further expectations for significant upticks in much of Asia which has a typically higher reliance on oil from the Gulf, meaning many of these countries have seen more immediate impacts on petrol prices and supply. Many impacted nations currently have burgeoning EV markets which have experienced recent growth via exports from China but remain in early stages.",[1052],{"type":606,"attrs":1053},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1055,"content":1056},{"textAlign":49},[1057],{"text":1058,"type":603,"marks":1059},"It remains a question of how sustained an increase in EV sales could be, depending on inventory levels but also consumer spending. If the war progresses further and a short-term oil price crisis turns into an elongated supply crisis, inflationary pressures and economic downturn could have equally negative impacts on new vehicle purchases.",[1060],{"type":606,"attrs":1061},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1063,"content":1064},{"textAlign":49},[1065],{"text":1066,"type":603,"marks":1067},"The analysis in this article draws on Benchmark's EV & Battery Service and insights from our in-house team of experts. To learn more about the Service, please fill out the form below:",[1068,1070],{"type":606,"attrs":1069},{"color":860},{"type":1071},"italic",{"type":647,"attrs":1073},{"id":1074,"body":1075},"f69f871b-b882-4f77-a707-48b9505ddf00",[1076],{"id":1077,"_uid":1078,"component":1079,"wrap_in_box":50,"redirect_url":1080,"success_file":1082,"default_height":547,"success_message":547,"v2_hubspot_form":50,"success_sub_text":547,"hidden_field_values":1084,"show_on_intelligence":50},"57a99950-73f5-48be-98a4-7324c28e5d0b","i-3be55612-9bbf-40f9-b8aa-f8c62b37c384","ContentHubspotForm",{"id":547,"url":547,"linktype":629,"fieldtype":1081,"cached_url":547},"multilink",{"id":49,"alt":49,"name":547,"focus":49,"title":49,"source":49,"filename":547,"copyright":49,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1083},{},[],"Higher petrol prices and the threat of supply disruption have made consumers think twice about buying new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and instead consider buying a battery electric vehicle (BEV).\n\nEarly data releases covering battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales around the world for March 2026 show a clear uptick in interest due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.\n\nAlmost every market with released data has so far shown a greater year-on-year increase after the start of the war in Iran (based on March registrations) than before the war began (based on January and February registrations).",[1087],{"slug":544,"name":543,"content":1088},{"job_title":557,"image":1089,"bio":548,"linkedin":555,"markets_covered":558},{"filename":552},"Clear uptick in March BEV sales as Iran war impacts petrol prices",[1092,1093,1094],{"slug":816,"name":817},{"slug":813,"name":814},{"slug":1095,"name":1096},"geopolitics","Geopolitics","public",{"id":1099,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":1100,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1101,"is_external_url":50},163777289068597,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/1590x1520/ad24014911/bev-vs-petrol-2x.png",{},{"id":1103,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":1104,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1105,"is_external_url":50},129067548887845,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/a57d06c2f2/bm-evs-in-parking-lot.jpg",{},"Apr 08, 2026",{"id":1108,"uuid":1109,"name":1110,"slug":1111,"full_slug":1112,"content":1113},156236618730672,"27a25c0a-b17f-46c1-a750-10f514e8bb13","Is BYD using LMFP for Blade 2.0 and what would this mean for manganese?","is-byd-using-lmfp-for-blade-2-0-and-what-would-this-mean-for-manganese-","article/is-byd-using-lmfp-for-blade-2-0-and-what-would-this-mean-for-manganese-",{"_uid":1114,"date":1115,"tags":1116,"editor":1124,"content":1128,"excerpt":1443,"featured":51,"reporter":1444,"component":810,"seo_title":1468,"categories":1469,"visibility":818,"data_vis_image":1483,"featured_image":1487,"seo_description":1491,"formattedDate":1492},"f89f68fd-d812-4a3d-af07-be6a32f724bd","2026-03-18 00:00",[1117,1120,1121],{"slug":1118,"name":1119},"byd","BYD",{"slug":582,"name":583},{"slug":1122,"name":1123},"lmfp","LMFP",[1125],{"slug":586,"name":587,"content":1126},{"job_title":589,"image":1127,"bio":592,"linkedin":593},{"filename":591},{"type":595,"content":1129},[1130,1152,1187,1195,1217,1224,1237,1245,1251,1259,1267,1279,1287,1309,1317,1325,1333,1345,1353,1366,1374,1382,1390,1398,1406,1412,1421,1426,1431,1436],{"type":598,"attrs":1131,"content":1132},{"textAlign":49},[1133,1138,1147],{"text":1134,"type":603,"marks":1135},"BYD may be using lithium iron manganese phosphate (LMFP) cells for its new ",[1136],{"type":606,"attrs":1137},{"color":547},{"text":1139,"type":603,"marks":1140},"Blade 2.0 battery platform",[1141,1145],{"type":624,"attrs":1142},{"href":1143,"uuid":1144,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/byd-launches-much-anticipated-blade-2-battery","bbd6953f-b16b-4e77-967f-8242cfad5d74",{"type":606,"attrs":1146},{"color":547},{"text":1148,"type":603,"marks":1149},", unveiled earlier in March, though it has yet to officially declare which chemistry will be used. ",[1150],{"type":606,"attrs":1151},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1153,"content":1154},{"textAlign":639},[1155,1160,1168,1173,1182],{"text":1156,"type":603,"marks":1157},"A key advantage of the new platform is support for “flash charging” which ",[1158],{"type":606,"attrs":1159},{"color":547},{"text":1119,"type":603,"marks":1161},[1162,1166],{"type":624,"attrs":1163},{"href":1164,"uuid":1165,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/in-charts-the-rise-of-byd","d138a8e7-adba-49a7-b52d-30b972975714",{"type":606,"attrs":1167},{"color":547},{"text":1169,"type":603,"marks":1170}," claims can charge the battery from 10% to 70% in just five minutes when connected to its new 1,500kW ",[1171],{"type":606,"attrs":1172},{"color":547},{"text":1174,"type":603,"marks":1175},"charging system",[1176,1180],{"type":624,"attrs":1177},{"href":1178,"uuid":1179,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/catl-announces-battery-capable-of-1-3-mw-charging-how-fast-will-chargers-get","fa8ae311-e854-4049-92d4-326e1c68b21a",{"type":606,"attrs":1181},{"color":547},{"text":1183,"type":603,"marks":1184},". ",[1185],{"type":606,"attrs":1186},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1188,"content":1189},{"textAlign":639},[1190],{"text":1191,"type":603,"marks":1192},"BYD's references to a 3.8V operating voltage, enhanced energy density as well as LMFP-related patent portfolio all point towards BYD using LMFP in the platform.",[1193],{"type":606,"attrs":1194},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1196,"content":1197},{"textAlign":639},[1198,1203,1212],{"text":1199,"type":603,"marks":1200},"If BYD does use LMFP for Blade 2.0, Benchmark calculates that this could increase 2026 ",[1201],{"type":606,"attrs":1202},{"color":547},{"text":1204,"type":603,"marks":1205},"battery-grade manganese demand",[1206,1210],{"type":624,"attrs":1207},{"href":1208,"uuid":1209,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/what-role-will-manganese-rich-cathode-chemistries-play-in-the-future-battery-market","302d7379-4edd-4324-8543-57852feaa822",{"type":606,"attrs":1211},{"color":547},{"text":1213,"type":603,"marks":1214}," by 7%.",[1215],{"type":606,"attrs":1216},{"color":547},{"type":647,"attrs":1218},{"id":1219,"body":1220},"28b0a463-df61-4aad-a703-cac558eab0be",[1221],{"id":1222,"_uid":1223,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"28104670","i-fb789942-4a0e-40c8-9087-8b1272c60407",{"type":657,"attrs":1225,"content":1226},{"level":659,"textAlign":639},[1227,1232],{"text":1228,"type":603,"marks":1229},"How much demand is there for BYD’s Blade 2.0 platform?",[1230],{"type":606,"attrs":1231},{"color":547},{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":1233},[1234],{"type":606,"attrs":1235},{"color":1236},"#0F4761",{"type":598,"attrs":1238,"content":1239},{"textAlign":639},[1240],{"text":1241,"type":603,"marks":1242},"At the launch event, BYD showcased several battery electric vehicles (BEV) – predominantly in the premium segment – and one range extended EV (REEV) that will support “flash charging”.",[1243],{"type":606,"attrs":1244},{"color":547},{"type":647,"attrs":1246},{"id":1219,"body":1247},[1248],{"id":1249,"_uid":1250,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"28103316","i-b48278a3-d2cf-4a21-a82b-d28dcde4db3a",{"type":598,"attrs":1252,"content":1253},{"textAlign":639},[1254],{"text":1255,"type":603,"marks":1256},"Based on 2025 sales performance, and the expected volumes the new additions could add, Benchmark anticipates the battery demand from these models could total 27.5 GWh through the remainder of 2026.  ",[1257],{"type":606,"attrs":1258},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1260,"content":1261},{"textAlign":639},[1262],{"text":1263,"type":603,"marks":1264},"This estimate could end up lower if BYD offers multiple choices of battery pack for the selected models. Conversely, if consumer reaction is strong enough to boost demand for flash charging, then the GWh figure could see upside too. ",[1265],{"type":606,"attrs":1266},{"color":547},{"type":657,"attrs":1268,"content":1269},{"level":659,"textAlign":639},[1270,1275],{"text":1271,"type":603,"marks":1272},"How would Blade 2.0 using LMFP impact manganese demand?",[1273],{"type":606,"attrs":1274},{"color":547},{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":1276},[1277],{"type":606,"attrs":1278},{"color":1236},{"type":598,"attrs":1280,"content":1281},{"textAlign":639},[1282],{"text":1283,"type":603,"marks":1284},"Should BYD confirm LMFP use, this would materially lift the near-term manganese outlook. ",[1285],{"type":606,"attrs":1286},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1288,"content":1289},{"textAlign":639},[1290,1295,1304],{"text":1291,"type":603,"marks":1292},"Under Benchmark’s baseline case, without LMFP deployment in these new Blade systems, LMFP-related ",[1293],{"type":606,"attrs":1294},{"color":547},{"text":1296,"type":603,"marks":1297},"manganese demand",[1298,1302],{"type":624,"attrs":1299},{"href":1300,"uuid":1301,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/high-purity-manganese-sulphate-deficits-set-to-widen-in-2025","97e6f606-7439-4550-bebb-775c7a382ff6",{"type":606,"attrs":1303},{"color":547},{"text":1305,"type":603,"marks":1306}," is estimated at ~4,000t in 2026, or roughly 3% of total battery-grade manganese consumption. With LMFP adoption in the Blade 2.0 platform across BYD’s vehicle portfolio, LMFP-driven manganese demand is projected to rise to ~12,000t in 2026, lifting its share of total manganese demand to about 10%. ",[1307],{"type":606,"attrs":1308},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1310,"content":1311},{"textAlign":639},[1312],{"text":1313,"type":603,"marks":1314},"Further upside to manganese demand could be seen if BYD rolls out LMFP cells in other models or if other OEMs produce rival EV battery platforms based on chemistry. ",[1315],{"type":606,"attrs":1316},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1318,"content":1319},{"textAlign":639},[1320],{"text":1321,"type":603,"marks":1322},"On the processing side, BYD’s LMFP precursor pathway remains unclear. It is not yet known whether the company uses high-purity manganese sulphate, manganese carbonate, high-purity manganese oxides, or a mix of these, nor how much processing is handled in-house versus by third parties. ",[1323],{"type":606,"attrs":1324},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1326,"content":1327},{"textAlign":639},[1328],{"text":1329,"type":603,"marks":1330},"This makes it difficult to pinpoint where in the supply chain the additional manganese demand will surface, even as the overall demand increase from LMFP becomes clearer. Regardless, the size of the LMFP-related manganese increase from BYD alone illustrates how LMFP could begin to shift manganese’s position in the EV battery supply chain. ",[1331],{"type":606,"attrs":1332},{"color":547},{"type":657,"attrs":1334,"content":1335},{"level":659,"textAlign":639},[1336,1341],{"text":1337,"type":603,"marks":1338},"What is suggesting that Blade 2.0 will use LMFP?",[1339],{"type":606,"attrs":1340},{"color":547},{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":1342},[1343],{"type":606,"attrs":1344},{"color":1236},{"type":598,"attrs":1346,"content":1347},{"textAlign":639},[1348],{"text":1349,"type":603,"marks":1350},"The evidence pointing towards BYD using LMFP for its Blade 2.0 platform are three-fold: energy density, operating voltage, and patents. ",[1351],{"type":606,"attrs":1352},{"color":547},{"type":657,"attrs":1354,"content":1356},{"level":1355,"textAlign":639},3,[1357,1362],{"text":1358,"type":603,"marks":1359},"Energy density and operating voltage",[1360],{"type":606,"attrs":1361},{"color":547},{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":1363},[1364],{"type":606,"attrs":1365},{"color":1236},{"type":598,"attrs":1367,"content":1368},{"textAlign":639},[1369],{"text":1370,"type":603,"marks":1371},"The more substantive signal lies in the combination of voltage uplift and energy density improvement. Achieving a sustained nominal voltage around 3.8 V with meaningful energy density gains is more consistent with LMFP chemistry than with incremental optimisation of conventional LFP which typically operate between ~3.2–3.4V. ",[1372],{"type":606,"attrs":1373},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1375,"content":1376},{"textAlign":639},[1377],{"text":1378,"type":603,"marks":1379},"Although the operating voltage is an important metric, depending on how the data is presented this can refer to nominal voltage, average discharge voltage, or upper cut-off voltage. Without explicit confirmation of the cathode composition, the voltage figure alone cannot be taken as definitive proof of LMFP adoption. ",[1380],{"type":606,"attrs":1381},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1383,"content":1384},{"textAlign":639},[1385],{"text":1386,"type":603,"marks":1387},"BYD has announced two form factors for the Blade 2.0 platform with the short format geared towards high power applications compared to the long format which is optimised for energy density. ",[1388],{"type":606,"attrs":1389},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1391,"content":1392},{"textAlign":639},[1393],{"text":1394,"type":603,"marks":1395},"LMFP in general exhibits both two-phase and solid-solution transformation behaviour during cycling. Two-phase reactions produce flat voltage plateaus but can induce lattice strain. Solid-solution behaviour improves rate capability but reduces voltage stability. High-rate cycling promotes solid-solution behaviour, while low-rate operation favours two-phase transitions. Particle size reduction and structural tuning can expand the solid-solution region, improving rate capability. ",[1396],{"type":606,"attrs":1397},{"color":547},{"type":598,"attrs":1399,"content":1400},{"textAlign":639},[1401],{"text":1402,"type":603,"marks":1403},"Therefore, controlling particle size, Mn:Fe ratio and doping chemistry can tailor the dominant phase transition mechanism depending on application requirements (high energy vs high power).  It is possible that the two form factors could deploy different cell chemistries with the long format more likely to deploy LMFP due to the high energy density. Alternatively, different formulations of LMFP could be used for each form factor",[1404],{"type":606,"attrs":1405},{"color":547},{"type":647,"attrs":1407},{"id":1219,"body":1408},[1409],{"id":1410,"_uid":1411,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"28095657","i-7694b8d8-690f-4b7b-8c7a-f63e81462f90",{"type":657,"attrs":1413,"content":1414},{"level":1355,"textAlign":639},[1415,1417],{"text":1416,"type":603},"Patents",{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":1418},[1419],{"type":606,"attrs":1420},{"color":1236},{"type":598,"attrs":1422,"content":1423},{"textAlign":639},[1424],{"text":1425,"type":603},"BYD has filed patents relating to LMFP. Some of the challenges associated with using LMFP, such as manganese dissolution, poor electronic/ionic conductivity and degradation have also been claimed to be solved in one of the patents by using a coating layer.",{"type":598,"attrs":1427,"content":1428},{"textAlign":639},[1429],{"text":1430,"type":603},"The patents filed also fuel speculation that silicon-carbon will be used as the anode active material, utilising a nano coating to supress silicon’s expansion issues. It also points to a proprietary electrolyte called ‘Flash-Flow’ to enhance ion mobility.  ",{"type":598,"attrs":1432,"content":1433},{"textAlign":639},[1434],{"text":1435,"type":603},"Patents alone don’t necessarily prove LMFP will be the cathode used. Large integrated manufacturers such as BYD routinely explore multiple chemistries in parallel and file patents across a broad technical spectrum. ",{"type":647,"attrs":1437},{"id":1438,"body":1439},"f0713a24-8aac-4c16-8150-a105afb05a32",[1440],{"id":1441,"_uid":1442,"type":629,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"3619636","i-c0832ded-45e1-4e69-a350-110552f5825c","BYD may be using lithium iron manganese phosphate (LMFP) cells for its new Blade 2.0 battery platform, unveiled earlier in March, though it has yet to officially declare which chemistry will be used. \n\nA key advantage of the new platform is support for “flash charging” which BYD claims can charge the battery from 10% to 70% in just five minutes when connected to its new 1,500kW charging system. \n\nBYD’s patent activity related to manganese-doped phosphate systems alongside reported improvements in energy density, and reference to a 3.8V operating voltage all point towards BYD using LMFP in the platform. \n\nIf BYD does use LMFP for Blade 2.0, Benchmark calculates that this could increase 2026 battery-grade manganese demand by 7%.",[1445,1448,1458],{"slug":544,"name":543,"content":1446},{"job_title":557,"image":1447,"bio":548,"linkedin":555,"markets_covered":558},{"filename":552},{"slug":1449,"name":1450,"content":1451},"varnika-agarwal","Varnika Agarwal",{"job_title":1452,"image":1453,"bio":1455,"linkedin":1456,"markets_covered":1457},"Battery Research Analyst",{"filename":1454},"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/852x854/7f6c4846ba/varnika-a.png","Varnika is a Battery Research Analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence where her primary focus is on the technical side of electric vehicle, energy stationary storage and battery market analysis. She was transferred from Rho Motion, which was acquired by Benchmark Mineral. During 2 years at Rho Motion, Varnika has worked on a variety of products across the time and has played an active role in the analysis of different type of battery recycling technologies.She holds PhD in solid-state batteries at University of Oxford, which has helped to hone her research and technical skills.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/varnika-agarwal1/","Battery Tech, EV, BESS, Portables",{"slug":1459,"name":1460,"content":1461},"ciara-rice","Ciara Rice",{"job_title":1462,"image":1463,"bio":1465,"linkedin":1466,"markets_covered":1467},"Battery Chemicals Analyst",{"filename":1464},"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/400x400/b61680a01e/ciara-rice.jpg","Ciara is Benchmark's battery chemicals analyst, covering the Manganese and Fluorspar value chains across Mn ore, HPMSM, acidspar, HF acid, and LiPF₆. Ciara tracks market developments and price movements across these commodities, working on supply and demand forecasts and historical price analysis.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciara-rice-7481b1b9/","Manganese, HPMSM, Acidspar, HF Acid, electrolyte","Is BYD using LMFP for Blade 2.0 and what would this mean for Mn? ",[1470,1471,1474,1476,1479,1482],{"slug":816,"name":817},{"slug":1472,"name":1473},"battery-technology","Battery Technology",{"slug":1475,"name":298},"cathode",{"slug":1477,"name":1478},"critical-minerals","Critical Minerals",{"slug":1480,"name":1481},"manganese","Manganese",{"slug":813,"name":814},{"id":1484,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":1485,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1486,"is_external_url":50},156567825649007,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/1588x1202/ac54be297d/blade-2-0-manganese-2x-1.png",{},{"id":1488,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":1489,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1490,"is_external_url":50},156252379395819,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/6240x4160/3938ab9597/byd-blade-production.jpg",{},"BYD may be using lithium iron manganese phosphate (LMFP) cells for its new Blade 2.0 battery platform. If BYD does use LMFP for Blade 2.0, Benchmark calculates that this could increase 2026 battery-grade manganese demand by 10%.","Mar 18, 2026",{"id":1494,"uuid":1144,"name":1495,"slug":1496,"full_slug":1497,"content":1498},153102306023366,"BYD launches much-anticipated Blade 2 battery","byd-launches-much-anticipated-blade-2-battery","article/byd-launches-much-anticipated-blade-2-battery",{"_uid":1499,"date":1500,"tags":1501,"editor":1512,"content":1522,"excerpt":1640,"featured":51,"reporter":1641,"component":810,"seo_title":1495,"categories":1658,"visibility":818,"data_vis_image":1661,"featured_image":1663,"seo_description":1640,"formattedDate":1667},"d163f41a-0e09-4e98-ade2-61abd9f02248","2026-03-09 00:00",[1502,1503,1506,1509],{"slug":1118,"name":1119},{"slug":1504,"name":1505},"catl","CATL",{"slug":1507,"name":1508},"lithium-ion-batteries","lithium ion batteries",{"slug":1510,"name":1511},"charging","Charging",[1513],{"slug":1514,"name":1515,"content":1516},"benjamin-roche","Benjamin Roche",{"job_title":1517,"image":1518,"bio":1520,"linkedin":1521},"Editor – Energy Transition Supply Chains",{"filename":1519},"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/800x800/66d6674fb8/benjamin-roche.png","Benjamin is Benchmark's Editor for Energy Transition Supply Chains, covering both upstream products like critical minerals and downstream products including energy storage systems and electric vehicles. He has previous experience covering trade flows, tariffs and the effects of geopolitics on supply chains.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrochecontent/",{"type":595,"content":1523},[1524,1541,1548,1559,1566,1574,1581,1595,1602,1607,1613,1625,1630,1635],{"type":598,"attrs":1525,"content":1526},{"textAlign":49},[1527,1529,1534,1536],{"text":1528,"type":603},"The ",{"text":1530,"type":603,"marks":1531},"new generation of BYD’s Blade battery",[1532],{"type":624,"attrs":1533},{"href":1164,"uuid":1165,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},{"text":1535,"type":603}," ",{"text":1537,"type":603,"marks":1538},"has come later than expected with the improvement in energy density falling short compared to some rival technologies for its short-blade version. The design targets faster charging as a differentiator to win over consumers.",[1539],{"type":606,"attrs":1540},{"color":547},{"type":657,"attrs":1542,"content":1543},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1544],{"text":1545,"type":603,"marks":1546},"Blade 2 specifications fall short of CATL",[1547],{"type":667},{"type":598,"attrs":1549,"content":1550},{"textAlign":49},[1551,1553,1557],{"text":1552,"type":603},"BYD’s Blade 2 battery was originally expected to be released in August 2024 with an energy density of 190Wh/kg. It has now been launched in March 2026, delivering around a 5% improvement in energy density at the system level in its short-blade version, which comes in at ~164Wh/kg. The long-blade version, which is optimised for high energy density, surpasses this at ~210Wh/kg. This is",{"text":669,"type":603,"marks":1554},[1555],{"type":606,"attrs":1556},{"color":547},{"text":1558,"type":603},"higher than CATL’s ~205Wh/kg Shenxing Plus but the longer version is expected to target the premium segment.",{"type":657,"attrs":1560,"content":1561},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1562],{"text":1563,"type":603,"marks":1564},"How are BYD sales faring?",[1565],{"type":667},{"type":598,"attrs":1567,"content":1568},{"textAlign":49},[1569],{"text":1570,"type":603,"marks":1571},"This release comes at a time when BYD has been offering price discounts and sales growth has declined. February marked the seventh consecutive month that BYD’s wholesale (domestic + export) figures declined. Domestically, rivals like Geely were closing in on BYD’s BEV sales dominance.",[1572],{"type":606,"attrs":1573},{"color":547},{"type":647,"attrs":1575},{"id":1576,"body":1577},"b6f1b4de-f51a-4211-b668-e74664946293",[1578],{"id":1579,"_uid":1580,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"27960550","i-d6c5dea4-09b2-48cb-b90d-79d876b4e7f8",{"type":598,"attrs":1582,"content":1583},{"textAlign":49},[1584,1586,1593],{"text":1585,"type":603},"Rather than prioritising ",{"text":1587,"type":603,"marks":1588},"aggressive R&D",[1589],{"type":624,"attrs":1590},{"href":1591,"uuid":1592,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/how-does-battery-companies-rd-expenditure-vary","ec2b9cb2-69a7-4c78-a0a7-e9df59d41b2b",{"text":1594,"type":603}," to push energy density boundaries, BYD may now be shifting its focus towards lowering manufacturing costs and preserving margins. While the design of CATL’s Shenxing Plus improves performance, it also tends to increase manufacturing complexity and cost and may introduce additional safety challenges at the cell level.",{"type":657,"attrs":1596,"content":1597},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1598],{"text":1599,"type":603,"marks":1600},"Refocusing on fast charging",[1601],{"type":667},{"type":598,"attrs":1603,"content":1604},{"textAlign":49},[1605],{"text":1606,"type":603},"One major development compared to Blade 1 is the new 8C fast charging rate in the short-blade version. BYD is reportedly utilising an LMFP cathode paired with a small amount of silicon in the anode. At 8C, BYD expects to offer 5-minute charging from 10% to 70% and 9 minutes from 10% to 97%. Cycle life has also improved from ~4,000 to over 4,500 cycles. The long-blade version of the battery has an 3C fast charging rate.",{"type":647,"attrs":1608},{"id":1576,"body":1609},[1610],{"id":1611,"_uid":1612,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"27959585","i-853e11f5-cc8d-4967-93ec-9b5544a9b7b9",{"type":598,"attrs":1614,"content":1615},{"textAlign":49},[1616,1618,1623],{"text":1617,"type":603},"This improvement could offset the lower-than-expected energy density in the short-blade version. BYD already aims to deploy 20,000 ",{"text":1619,"type":603,"marks":1620},"“flash” charging stations by the end of 2026",[1621],{"type":624,"attrs":1622},{"href":1178,"uuid":1179,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},{"text":1624,"type":603},", where maximum power is a massive 1.5MW, to draw consumers. To date, they have finished 4,239, though many are existing upgraded stations rather than greenfield. The rate also positions it as a rival to NIO’s battery swapping model.",{"type":598,"attrs":1626,"content":1627},{"textAlign":49},[1628],{"text":1629,"type":603},"Benchmark automotive research lead Will Roberts notes:",{"type":598,"attrs":1631,"content":1632},{"textAlign":49},[1633],{"text":1634,"type":603},"“While 20,000 flash charging stations is significant, it represents a small fraction of China’s over 2 million DC fast charging points nationwide.",{"type":598,"attrs":1636,"content":1637},{"textAlign":49},[1638],{"text":1639,"type":603},"“Looking forwards, BYD has indicated plans to commercialise solid-state batteries around 2027, which are expected to achieve significantly higher energy density than Blade 2. This current fast charge strategy may end up being a premium brand holdover while the R&D focus switches to the next big step change.”","The new generation of BYD’s Blade battery has come later than expected with the improvement in energy density falling short compared to some rival technologies. The design instead targets faster charging as a differentiator to win over consumers.",[1642,1645,1655],{"slug":544,"name":543,"content":1643},{"job_title":557,"image":1644,"bio":548,"linkedin":555,"markets_covered":558},{"filename":552},{"slug":1646,"name":1647,"content":1648},"xin-chen","Xin Chen",{"job_title":1649,"image":1650,"bio":1652,"linkedin":1653,"markets_covered":1654},"Analyst - Battery Technology",{"filename":1651},"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/512x512/bd01e707af/xin-chen.jpeg","Xin holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews and has over five years of research experience in developing cathode materials for sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries. Currently, as a new battery technology analyst, Xin contributes to the New Technology Report and manages a comprehensive database tracking emerging battery technologies. My work also supports BESS, EV, and silicon-based anode products, providing detailed technology highlights for reports such as the BESS Outlook, EV & Battery Forecast, and other industry publications.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/xin-chen-battery/","New Technology, BESS, EV, Silicon Anode",{"slug":1449,"name":1450,"content":1656},{"job_title":1452,"image":1657,"bio":1455,"linkedin":1456,"markets_covered":1457},{"filename":1454},[1659,1660],{"slug":1472,"name":1473},{"slug":813,"name":814},{"id":49,"alt":49,"name":547,"focus":49,"title":49,"source":49,"filename":547,"copyright":49,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1662},{},{"id":1664,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":1665,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1666,"is_external_url":50},129067489610498,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/b1159c5f37/bm-ev-battery-pack-on-production-line.jpg",{},"Mar 09, 2026",{"id":1669,"uuid":1670,"name":1671,"slug":1672,"full_slug":1673,"content":1674},151669564625181,"f241906f-ea0d-4bcf-84e5-4ca9c212a23f","Industrial Accelerator Act adds Made in EU requirements for automakers","industrial-accelerator-act-adds-made-in-eu-requirements-for-automakers","article/industrial-accelerator-act-adds-made-in-eu-requirements-for-automakers",{"_uid":1675,"date":1676,"tags":1677,"editor":1686,"content":1690,"excerpt":1969,"featured":51,"reporter":1970,"component":810,"seo_title":1984,"categories":1985,"visibility":818,"data_vis_image":1989,"featured_image":1993,"seo_description":1997,"formattedDate":1998},"9fb65b23-4c8d-474e-8b71-58f2587e6e54","2026-03-05 00:00",[1678,1679,1682,1685],{"slug":576,"name":577},{"slug":1680,"name":1681},"european-commission","European Commission",{"slug":1683,"name":1684},"european-union","European Union",{"slug":582,"name":583},[1687],{"slug":586,"name":587,"content":1688},{"job_title":589,"image":1689,"bio":592,"linkedin":593},{"filename":591},{"type":595,"content":1691},[1692,1714,1722,1744,1752,1760,1796,1803,1811,1819,1827,1835,1843,1851,1857,1865,1873,1881,1889,1939,1961],{"type":598,"attrs":1693,"content":1694},{"textAlign":49},[1695,1700,1709],{"text":1696,"type":603,"marks":1697},"The EU Commission's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) introduces new “Made in EU” stipulations for ",[1698],{"type":606,"attrs":1699},{"color":860},{"text":1701,"type":603,"marks":1702},"electric vehicles",[1703,1707],{"type":624,"attrs":1704},{"href":1705,"uuid":1706,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/what-is-behind-europes-2025-ev-sales-surge","cefbe53e-3573-4ecf-845a-f034c58de3d6",{"type":606,"attrs":1708},{"color":860},{"text":1710,"type":603,"marks":1711}," as part of a range of measures aimed at increasing the manufacturing sector’s share of the bloc’s GDP to 20% by 2035, up from 14.3% in 2024.",[1712],{"type":606,"attrs":1713},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1715,"content":1716},{"textAlign":49},[1717],{"text":1718,"type":603,"marks":1719},"The act was proposed on Wednesday 4 March after delays and renegotiations pushed its publication to the wire. Further negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament are required before the IAA can be adopted and enter into force.",[1720],{"type":606,"attrs":1721},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1723,"content":1724},{"textAlign":49},[1725,1730,1739],{"text":1726,"type":603,"marks":1727},"The “Made in EU” rules add tough requirements for ",[1728],{"type":606,"attrs":1729},{"color":860},{"text":1731,"type":603,"marks":1732},"automakers",[1733,1737],{"type":624,"attrs":1734},{"href":1735,"uuid":1736,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/videos/what-is-the-outlook-for-the-european-ev-market","8e83e0aa-866e-4453-8e9e-d7841bf8bb09",{"type":606,"attrs":1738},{"color":860},{"text":1740,"type":603,"marks":1741}," looking to benefit from incentive schemes, financial support for corporate vehicles, or public procurement, though there are exceptions for the “small cars” segment.",[1742],{"type":606,"attrs":1743},{"color":860},{"type":657,"attrs":1745,"content":1746},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1747],{"text":1748,"type":603,"marks":1749},"What counts as “Made in EU” for electric vehicles?",[1750],{"type":606,"attrs":1751},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1753,"content":1754},{"textAlign":49},[1755],{"text":1756,"type":603,"marks":1757},"The Industrial Accelerator Act lays out the requirements for an electric vehicle to be defined as “Made in EU”, with these rules coming into play after the regulation officially enters into force:",[1758],{"type":606,"attrs":1759},{"color":860},{"type":1761,"attrs":1762,"content":1764},"ordered_list",{"order":1763},1,[1765,1776,1786],{"type":1766,"content":1767},"list_item",[1768],{"type":598,"attrs":1769,"content":1770},{"textAlign":49},[1771],{"text":1772,"type":603,"marks":1773},"The vehicle must be assembled in the EU.",[1774],{"type":606,"attrs":1775},{"color":860},{"type":1766,"content":1777},[1778],{"type":598,"attrs":1779,"content":1780},{"textAlign":49},[1781],{"text":1782,"type":603,"marks":1783},"At least 70% by value of its non-battery components must be of EU origin.",[1784],{"type":606,"attrs":1785},{"color":860},{"type":1766,"content":1787},[1788],{"type":598,"attrs":1789,"content":1790},{"textAlign":49},[1791],{"text":1792,"type":603,"marks":1793},"For the battery, at least three “main specific components” must be of EU origin, including at least one cell. The other components include modules, packs, cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, separators, current collectors, battery management systems (BMS), and/or battery thermal management systems (BTMS).",[1794],{"type":606,"attrs":1795},{"color":860},{"type":647,"attrs":1797},{"id":1798,"body":1799},"02f0923f-9c0e-4511-be17-a27456544b41",[1800],{"id":1801,"_uid":1802,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"27907693","i-709edae1-bd91-4987-a9fd-cd677a49ba00",{"type":598,"attrs":1804,"content":1805},{"textAlign":49},[1806],{"text":1807,"type":603,"marks":1808},"For the last rule, requirements ramp up after three years, after which at least five main components, including cells, cathode, and BMS, must be from the EU. Furthermore, 50% by value of the e-powertrain and main electronic systems must also be of EU origin.",[1809],{"type":606,"attrs":1810},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1812,"content":1813},{"textAlign":49},[1814],{"text":1815,"type":603,"marks":1816},"All three stipulations must be met for the public procurement of EVs, public incentive schemes and financial support for corporate vehicles.",[1817],{"type":606,"attrs":1818},{"color":860},{"type":657,"attrs":1820,"content":1821},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1822],{"text":1823,"type":603,"marks":1824},"What is the exception for small vehicles?",[1825],{"type":606,"attrs":1826},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1828,"content":1829},{"textAlign":49},[1830],{"text":1831,"type":603,"marks":1832},"There is an exception for vehicles falling into the new M1E subcategory defined as small electric vehicles 4.2 metres or smaller as outlined in the EU Commission's December 2025 CO2 emissions legislation proposal. The goal is to stimulate demand for small cars with lower regulatory burdens and a super credit system, making small EV sales count as 1.3 units instead of 1 for emissions calculations.",[1833],{"type":606,"attrs":1834},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1836,"content":1837},{"textAlign":49},[1838],{"text":1839,"type":603,"marks":1840},"In December 2025, the European Commission published changes to the car CO₂ law, including a scheme to boost small, made-in-EU BEVs. Under this “super credit” scheme, small BEVs count as 1.3 units instead of 1.",[1841],{"type":606,"attrs":1842},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1844,"content":1845},{"textAlign":49},[1846],{"text":1847,"type":603,"marks":1848},"To comply as M1E vehicles, they must firstly be assembled in the EU, and additionally must meet just one of two requirements: either have at least 70% by value of its components (excluding battery) be of EU origin, or, have a battery with at least three “main specific components” of EU origin, of which the cells must be one.",[1849],{"type":606,"attrs":1850},{"color":860},{"type":647,"attrs":1852},{"id":1798,"body":1853},[1854],{"id":1855,"_uid":1856,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"27896915","i-a493b8ec-c432-44db-a534-d45a31d32544",{"type":657,"attrs":1858,"content":1859},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1860],{"text":1861,"type":603,"marks":1862},"What are the consequences of this exception?",[1863],{"type":606,"attrs":1864},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1866,"content":1867},{"textAlign":49},[1868],{"text":1869,"type":603,"marks":1870},"These “Made in EU” definitions do as promised to create a lower regulatory burden for small car production. The requirement for assembly in the EU has been expected since the M1E's creation, and meeting a 70% EU origin threshold for all non-battery components should be achievable for legacy OEMs with EU manufacturing.",[1871],{"type":606,"attrs":1872},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1874,"content":1875},{"textAlign":49},[1876],{"text":1877,"type":603,"marks":1878},"Therefore, the battery origin requirement becomes superfluous, and OEMs could continue to use cells and packs imported from China, leaving the door open to cheaper LFP cells, which are more commonly used in small, low-range, low-cost vehicles.",[1879],{"type":606,"attrs":1880},{"color":860},{"type":657,"attrs":1882,"content":1883},{"level":659,"textAlign":49},[1884],{"text":1885,"type":603,"marks":1886},"Are automakers ready for “Made in EU” requirements?",[1887],{"type":606,"attrs":1888},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1890,"content":1891},{"textAlign":49},[1892,1897,1906,1911,1920,1925,1934],{"text":1893,"type":603,"marks":1894},"For non-M1E or full size vehicles, the “Made in EU” requirements have just massively stepped up the requirements for manufacturers to meet in order to receive subsidy support. Progression to ",[1895],{"type":606,"attrs":1896},{"color":860},{"text":1898,"type":603,"marks":1899},"develop localised",[1900,1904],{"type":624,"attrs":1901},{"href":1902,"uuid":1903,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/videos/scaling-up-gigafactories-in-emea","dc6da4db-7720-4bd4-925d-c910ea4de304",{"type":606,"attrs":1905},{"color":860},{"text":1907,"type":603,"marks":1908}," supply chains would need to be front and centre for the next few years, as ",[1909],{"type":606,"attrs":1910},{"color":860},{"text":1912,"type":603,"marks":1913},"European cell capacity",[1914,1918],{"type":624,"attrs":1915},{"href":1916,"uuid":1917,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/inobats-planned-spanish-gigafactory-gains-state-support","7fba56b4-ba97-41bb-9c82-964e0b097e77",{"type":606,"attrs":1919},{"color":860},{"text":1921,"type":603,"marks":1922}," still lags behind demand expectations. This will get significantly harder again after three years with the expansion to ",[1923],{"type":606,"attrs":1924},{"color":860},{"text":1926,"type":603,"marks":1927},"Cathode Active Material",[1928,1932],{"type":624,"attrs":1929},{"href":1930,"uuid":1931,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/europes-cathode-scene-set-to-diversify-as-supply-increases","bf235ce9-a2e5-43bf-98ac-ee8ef8120a46",{"type":606,"attrs":1933},{"color":860},{"text":1935,"type":603,"marks":1936}," (CAM), although the exclusion of pCAM from the list of battery components may provide some reprieve. ",[1937],{"type":606,"attrs":1938},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1940,"content":1941},{"textAlign":49},[1942,1947,1956],{"text":1943,"type":603,"marks":1944},"With some domestic EU cell manufacturers having struggled to ramp up to significant volumes so far, meeting “Made in EU” requirements may also work to ",[1945],{"type":606,"attrs":1946},{"color":860},{"text":1948,"type":603,"marks":1949},"incentivise larger overseas players",[1950,1954],{"type":624,"attrs":1951},{"href":1952,"uuid":1953,"anchor":49,"target":628,"linktype":629},"/article/byd-is-overtaking-tesla-in-europe","c0599b0d-784d-4b24-9142-145a377c7c4a",{"type":606,"attrs":1955},{"color":860},{"text":1957,"type":603,"marks":1958}," in expanding EU capacity to provide the majority of the kWh needed. However, provisions included in the IAA on large-scale investments (more than EUR 100m) in the region also look to limit ownership stakes or require approval before getting the go-ahead. ",[1959],{"type":606,"attrs":1960},{"color":860},{"type":598,"attrs":1962,"content":1963},{"textAlign":49},[1964],{"text":1965,"type":603,"marks":1966},"Ultimately, with a patchwork of EU member states providing differing levels of subsidy support anyway, this will add a new layer of regulation to bring into OEMs' supply chain and strategy calculations.",[1967],{"type":606,"attrs":1968},{"color":860},"The EU Commission's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) introduces new “Made in EU” stipulations for electric vehicles as part of a range of measures aimed at increasing the manufacturing sector’s share of the bloc’s GDP to 20% by 2035, up from 14.3% in 2024.\n\nThe act was proposed on Wednesday 4 March after delays and renegotiations pushed its publication to the wire. Further negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament are required before the IAA can be adopted and enter into force.\n\nThe “Made in EU” rules add tough requirements for automakers looking to benefit from incentive schemes, financial support for corporate vehicles, or public procurement, though there are exceptions for the “small cars” segment.",[1971,1974],{"slug":544,"name":543,"content":1972},{"job_title":557,"image":1973,"bio":548,"linkedin":555,"markets_covered":558},{"filename":552},{"slug":1975,"name":1976,"content":1977},"bryan-bille","Bryan Bille",{"job_title":1978,"image":1979,"bio":1981,"linkedin":1982,"markets_covered":1983},"Lead Analyst - Government Policy",{"filename":1980},"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/512x512/1491bc3cc9/bryan-bille.jpeg","Bryan has more than 8 years of policy and geopolitical experience covering numerous areas, such as international trade, industrial policy, critical minerals, battery and EV supply chains and the broader energy transition. Bryan currently oversees Benchmark Mineral Intelligence’s policy and geopolitical coverage and leads Benchmark’s strategic outreach to policymakers. Before joining Benchmark, Bryan obtained a degree in corporate law from the University of Antwerp and an international political economy degree from King’s College London. He also held various positions within the Belgian diplomatic corps and politics, where he was involved in multiple policy issues and international negotiations at the EU level. ","https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbille/","Critical Mineral, Battery and EV Supply ","Industrial Accelerator Act adds Made in EU rules for automakers",[1986,1987,1988],{"slug":816,"name":817},{"slug":813,"name":814},{"slug":1095,"name":1096},{"id":1990,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":1991,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1992,"is_external_url":50},151672412929283,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/1588x1364/731aabcce5/eu-made-evs-2x.png",{},{"id":1994,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":1995,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":1996,"is_external_url":50},129067466984180,"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/c71059049a/bm-european-commission-flags-e1649948622413.jpg",{},"The EU Commission's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) introduces new “Made in EU” stipulations for electric vehicles as part of a range of measures aimed at increasing the manufacturing sector’s share of the bloc’s GDP.","Mar 05, 2026",{"id":2000,"uuid":2001,"name":2002,"slug":2003,"full_slug":2004,"content":2005},133953805613165,"372ec2e6-f86b-4d48-8d39-a9247443767d","EU to introduce minimum pricing for Chinese BEV imports","eu-to-introduce-minimum-pricing-for-chinese-bev-imports","article/eu-to-introduce-minimum-pricing-for-chinese-bev-imports",{"_uid":2006,"date":2007,"tags":2008,"editor":2012,"content":2022,"excerpt":2110,"featured":51,"reporter":2111,"component":810,"seo_title":2002,"categories":2115,"visibility":1097,"author_company":547,"data_vis_image":2119,"featured_image":2121,"seo_description":2124,"author_full_name":547,"author_job_title":547,"formattedDate":2125},"45600993-3956-4848-9387-96b1c7276dd6","2026-01-14 00:00",[2009],{"slug":2010,"name":2011},"policy","Policy",[2013],{"slug":2014,"name":2015,"content":2016},"didi-bostock","Didi Bostock",{"job_title":2017,"image":2018,"bio":2020,"linkedin":2021},"Editor - Energy Transition & Economics",{"filename":2019},"https://a.storyblok.com/f/287943243085208/512x512/2c5ca5c1a3/didi-bostock.jpeg","Didi is the Energy Transition & Economics Editor at Benchmark, covering a broad range of markets across the energy transition. His remit spans from downstream sectors such as BESS and EVs, through to midstream such as new technologies and battery production, to upstream critical minerals mining. He also leads on financial analysis across these supply chains, alongside in-depth policy analysis.\n","https://www.linkedin.com/in/didi-bostock-656342198/",{"type":595,"content":2023},[2024,2029,2035,2040,2045,2050,2055,2070,2075,2080,2085,2090,2097],{"type":598,"attrs":2025,"content":2026},{"textAlign":49},[2027],{"text":2028,"type":603},"Following ongoing negotiations between the EU and China, the EU is preparing to introduce minimum pricing mechanisms for Chinese‑made BEVs imported into the bloc. This move follows the EU’s final ruling on tariffs in October 2024.",{"type":657,"attrs":2030,"content":2032},{"level":2031,"textAlign":49},4,[2033],{"text":2034,"type":603},"What are the tariffs?",{"type":598,"attrs":2036,"content":2037},{"textAlign":49},[2038],{"text":2039,"type":603},"Since 2024, Chinese OEMs have been subject to countervailing duties ranging from 7.8% to 35.3%, on top of the standard 10% baseline tariff. These measures were introduced after an anti‑subsidy investigation concluded that Chinese manufacturers had benefited from unfair state support.",{"type":657,"attrs":2041,"content":2042},{"level":2031,"textAlign":49},[2043],{"text":2044,"type":603},"What are the changes?",{"type":598,"attrs":2046,"content":2047},{"textAlign":49},[2048],{"text":2049,"type":603},"On 12 January, the EU issued guidance to Chinese automakers outlining a replacement mechanism for the existing tariffs, designed to continue protecting European manufacturers from unfair competition.",{"type":598,"attrs":2051,"content":2052},{"textAlign":49},[2053],{"text":2054,"type":603},"Under the proposed system, Chinese OEMs can avoid tariffs provided they commit to not selling their BEVs in the EU below an agreed minimum price.",{"type":598,"attrs":2056,"content":2057},{"textAlign":49},[2058,2060,2068],{"text":2059,"type":603},"Applications must be submitted to the European Commission for approval, with importers able to choose between applying for a minimum import price (MIP) or remaining under the existing countervailing duties regime. MIPs will be established on a per‑model basis, including all model variants, and will be benchmarked against comparable EU‑produced B",{"text":2061,"type":603,"marks":2062},"EV sales",[2063],{"type":624,"attrs":2064},{"href":2065,"uuid":49,"anchor":49,"target":2066,"linktype":2067},"https://www.benchmarkminerals.com/ev-and-battery","_blank","url",{"text":2069,"type":603}," prices. Failure to comply may result in the retroactive collection of duties at current tariff levels.",{"type":598,"attrs":2071,"content":2072},{"textAlign":49},[2073],{"text":2074,"type":603},"Notably commitments to invest in EU manufacturing may support approval, with OEMs that have firm plans for EU production potentially benefiting from a more favourable assessment.",{"type":598,"attrs":2076,"content":2077},{"textAlign":49},[2078],{"text":2079,"type":603},"The guidance also highlights that OEMs with significant sales of non‑covered products, such as hybrids and ICE vehicles (for example BYD), present a higher risk of cross‑compensation. The risk for the EU is OEMs could compensate minimum import prices by discounting other vehicle types sold to EU importers. It has been explicit that importers in this position pose a higher risk of cross-compensation and therefore will be less likely to receive approval.  This could complicate purchasing for large fleet buyers with mixed powertrain orders, who may typically expect volume discount, something that is common practice at present.",{"type":598,"attrs":2081,"content":2082},{"textAlign":49},[2083],{"text":2084,"type":603},"By contrast, BEV‑only manufacturers will be considered to pose a significantly lower risk of cross‑compensation.",{"type":657,"attrs":2086,"content":2087},{"level":2031,"textAlign":49},[2088],{"text":2089,"type":603},"How have China’s EV sales changed over the course of tariffs?",{"type":647,"attrs":2091},{"id":2092,"body":2093},"92d52cd6-dc11-48ad-8197-cc9ac2b60489",[2094],{"id":2095,"_uid":2096,"type":654,"component":655,"fixed_height":547,"use_fixed_height":50,"fixed_height_mobile":547,"fixed_height_tablet":547},"27204931","i-8d71edf5-89d9-492b-a1ae-9336fd2d06f5",{"type":598,"attrs":2098,"content":2099},{"textAlign":49},[2100,2102,2108],{"text":2101,"type":603},"Despite the first iterations of tariffs being introduced on BEVs in July 2024, BEV sales of ",{"text":2103,"type":603,"marks":2104},"Chinese made EVs",[2105],{"type":624,"attrs":2106},{"href":2107,"uuid":49,"anchor":49,"target":2066,"linktype":2067},"https://source.benchmarkminerals.com/article/canada-and-china-strike-deal-to-allow-chinese-made-evs-into-canada",{"text":2109,"type":603}," in Europe remained steady in 2025, marking a 2% drop on in the 11 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This relative steadiness conceals a marked increase in BYD’s BEV imports, countering a decrease in imports for Tesla. However, the PHEV market tells a different story, with PHEV imports from China increasing over 300% in the first 11 months of 2025 as OEMs switched strategies to incorporate tariff free PHEVs.  ","Following ongoing negotiations between the EU and China, the EU is preparing to introduce minimum pricing mechanisms for Chinese‑made BEVs imported into the bloc. This move follows the EU’s final ruling on tariffs in October 2024. What are the tariffs? Since 2024, Chinese OEMs have been subject to countervailing duties ranging from 7.8% to 35.3%, […]",[2112],{"slug":544,"name":543,"content":2113},{"job_title":557,"image":2114,"bio":548,"linkedin":555,"markets_covered":558},{"filename":552},[2116,2117,2118],{"slug":816,"name":817},{"slug":813,"name":814},{"slug":1095,"name":1096},{"id":49,"alt":49,"name":547,"focus":49,"title":49,"source":49,"filename":547,"copyright":49,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":2120},{},{"id":49,"alt":547,"name":547,"focus":547,"title":547,"source":547,"filename":2122,"copyright":547,"fieldtype":553,"meta_data":2123,"is_external_url":51},"https://res.cloudinary.com/benchmarkminerals/images/w_2560,h_1438,c_scale/f_auto,q_auto/v1768383504/www-production/AdobeStock_1717945476/AdobeStock_1717945476.jpeg?_i=AA",{"alt":547,"title":547,"source":547,"copyright":547},"Following ongoing negotiations between the EU and China, the EU is preparing to introduce minimum pricing mechanisms for Chinese‑made BEVs imported into the bloc. This move follows the EU’s final ruling on tariffs ","Jan 14, 2026",1780670135980]