This image, from July 2021, shows a Citroen e-C4 electric vehicle on display at a showroom in Paris, France. Citroen is a brand of Stellantis, one of the world’s biggest automakers.
Benjamin Girette | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Stellantis is turning to Australia as it looks to procure the materials needed for its electric vehicle strategy in the years ahead.
On Monday, the automaker said a non-binding memorandum of understanding related to the “future sale of quantities of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate products” had been signed with Sydney-listed GME Resources Limited.
According to Stellantis, the MoU is centered around materials sourced from the NiWest Nickel-Cobalt Project, which has been earmarked for development in Western Australia.
In a statement, the firm described NiWest as an operation that would produce around 90,000 tons of “battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate” for the EV market each year.
Stellantis said that, so far, over 30 million Australian dollars (around $18.95 million) had been “invested into drilling, metallurgical test work and development studies.” A definitive feasibility study for the project is due to begin this month.
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In its statement Monday, Stellantis — whose brands include Fiat, Chrysler and Citroen — referenced its goal of all passenger sales in Europe being battery electric by the year 2030. In the U.S., it wants a “50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix” within the same timeframe.
“Securing the raw material sources and battery supply will strengthen Stellantis’ value chain for electric vehicle battery production,” Maxime Picat, chief purchasing and supply chain officer at Stellantis, said.
Stellantis’ electric vehicle plans put it in competition with firms such as Elon Musk’s Tesla as well as companies like Volkswagen, Ford and GM.
According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicle sales are on course to hit an all-time high this year. The sector’s expansion and other factors are creating pressure points when it comes to the supply of the batteries crucial for EVs.
“The rapid increase in EV sales during the pandemic has tested the resilience of battery supply chains, and Russia’s war in Ukraine has further exacerbated the challenge,” the IEA notes, adding that prices of materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel “have surged.”
“In May 2022, lithium prices were over seven times higher than at the start of 2021,” it adds. “Unprecedented battery demand and a lack of structural investment in new supply capacity are key factors.”
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In April, the CEO and president of Volvo Cars predicted that scarcity of battery supply would become a pressing issue for his sector, telling CNBC the firm had made investments that would help it gain a foothold in the market.
“Recently, we made a reasonably substantial investment with Northvolt, so that we are in control of our own battery supply as we go forward,” Jim Rowan told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe”.
“I think battery supply is going to be one of the things that comes into scarce supply in the years to come,” Rowan added.
“And that’s one of the reasons we made that substantial investment with Northvolt: So that we can be in control not just of the supply, but we can actually start to develop our own battery chemistry and production facilities.”
Renault’s charging plans
Monday also saw Mobilize, a brand of the Renault Group, announce plans to roll out an ultra-fast charging network for EVs in the European market. Mobilize Fast Charge, as it’s known, will consist of 200 sites in Europe by the middle of 2024 and “be open to all electric vehicles.”
The development of adequate charging options is seen as being crucial when it comes to challenging perceptions surrounding range anxiety, a term that refers to the idea that electric vehicles aren’t able to undertake long journeys without losing power and getting stranded.
According to Mobilize, the network in Europe will enable drivers to charge their vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Most of the stations will be at Renault dealerships less than 5 minutes from a motorway or expressway exit,” it added.
US EV sales set yet another record in August, with 146,332 EVs sold, according to the latest numbers from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book.
That gave EV sales in August a 9.9% share of total new car sales, up from 9.1% in July and the highest yet. With the federal EV tax credit set to expire on September 30, analysts say Q3 2025 is shaping up to be the strongest quarter for EV sales in US history. The current record holder is Q4 2024, when 365,824 EVs were sold.
Prices ticked higher, too. The average transaction price (ATP) for an EV in August was $57,245, 3.1% more than July’s revised lower ATP of $55,562. Year-over-year, though, EV prices were basically flat, down just 0.1%. The wave of EV sales also helped push up the overall market’s ATP.
Incentives, while not as high as July’s record, remained hefty. EV buyers received discounts averaging over $9,000 in August, equal to 16% of ATP. That’s more than double the incentive rate in the overall auto market and up from 13.6% a year ago.
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Tesla, still the US EV sales leader by far, is under pressure. Its ATP rose 2.9% in August to $54,468, which was still down 5.5% year-over-year. Tesla sales dropped 6.7% year-over-year, and the company’s share of the US EV market slid to 38% – its lowest point ever.
Stephanie Valdez Streaty, senior analyst at Cox Automotive, said, “The one constant in the automotive business is that fresh product sells well. While Tesla’s Model Y update has slowed the company’s sales decline, it’s not getting easier for the EV pioneer because the market is now flooded with all-new, fresh EVs from mainstream competitors – consumers have more choice than ever. The current surge in EV sales is being driven by product innovation, motivated dealers, and an urgency ahead of the IRA tax credit phase-out.”
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Anker’s SOLIX Fan Fest Sale increases savings on power stations as high as 63% with deals starting from $120
Anker has launched its SOLIX Fan Fest Sale running through September 21, with up to 63% discounts on its massive power station and accessory lineup – which is an increase from the brand’s Labor Day event. Alongside the low prices we spotted on the EverFrost 2 electric coolers, as well as the launch deals on the new C1000 Gen 2 station, we also noticed the brand’s other recent release, the SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station dropping to $1,649 shipped during this sale, which sits $1 under Amazon’s pricing. It fetches $2,599 at full price, with discounts having mostly gone as low as $1,699, unless the sales offered bonus savings that saw the cost drop to $1,614 or the one-time $1,599 rate we saw during Prime Day. The deal here is the third-best we have tracked, saving you $950 off the going rate and bringing you one of the latest, upgraded backup power solutions from the Anker flag.
Unlike the new C1000 Gen 2 station, which is a more compact backup option, Anker’s SOLIX F3000 power station brings a whole lot more punch to its game, as it starts with a 3,072Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity that can expand up to 24kWh with investments into the compatible expansion batteries (bundles available below). There are 11 output ports to connect devices/appliances (including a TT-30R AC port for RV backup), which will receive up to 3,600W of power that can be doubled to 7,200W when two stations are connected together.
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One of the SOLIX F3000 power station’s notable upgraded features is the addition of passthrough charging, which it can receive from a generator for up to 3,600W of input, bringing extra versatility to emergency power failures. You’ll also have to options to plug into a standard AC outlet or even charge from an EV. There’s also the max 2,400W solar input that can have it fully recharged in under two hours with optimal sunlight.
***Note: Some of these power stations – particularly the F3800 models, which also get free protective covers – have automatic 5% extra savings that will be added in your cart. Those differences have not been factored in to bracket prices.
Tenways End of Season Sale drops 37-pound CGO600 Pro e-bikes to $1,599 with $217 in FREE gear ($2,116 value)
Tenways is continuing most of its Labor Day savings within its newly launched End of Season Sale, which is taking up to $500 off select e-bikes, while also offering an additional $200 discount when buying two. Among the lineup, Tenways’ popular CGO600 Pro Lightweight Commuter e-bikes (both the chain-drive and belt-drive variants) are dropping back down to $1,599 shipped, while also coming with $118 in free gear and a complimentary gift box (a $99 value). Coming down off its $1,899 full tag price, things have been taken lower in the past, though since March we’ve been seeing tariff hikes keep the price up at $1,599, with occasional falls lower to $1,499. You’re still getting a solid $517 savings package with this deal, not to mention the additional savings you can get buying two together and/or verifying your status as a medical provider, first responder, teacher, or military member (giving you an extra $150 off).
Bluetti’s new Elite 30 V2 power station bundled with a carrying case gets first discount to $259, more from $219
Through its official Amazon storefront, Bluetti is offering the first chance at savings on its new Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station bundled with a carrying bag at $259 shipped, after clipping the on-page $140 off coupon, which is unavailable directly from the brand’s website and has no option to buy the bag separately. This bundle package just hit Amazon five days ago, carrying a $399 price tag, with today’s deal being a first-ever chance to save on it. All-in-all, you’re getting $140 in total savings that sets the bar for future discounts down the road.
Grab EGO’s carbon fiber telescopic pole saw with an LED guide light and 2.5Ah battery at its $299 low
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 10-inch Cordless Carbon Fiber Telescopic LED Cut Line Indicator Pole Saw with 2.5Ah battery at $299 shipped. It’s been recently fetching around $389 at full price, with the discounts we’ve seen this year having dropped the costs to this same low rate twice before. It’s coming back around for a $90 markdown, letting you expand your outdoor arsenal at the best price we have tracked.
EGO’s modular Nexus power station with two 7.5Ah batteries can also refuel your arsenal at $899
At Amazon, you can currently find the EGO Power+ Nexus Portable Power Station with two 7.5Ah batteries at $899 shipped. This bundled package usually runs for $1,099 without discounts, which we’ve mostly seen keeping down near $999 with discounts. While these drops to $899 are usually rare sightings, the price has been holding out strong since mid-August, with no telling how much longer it may last. Aside from the $838 low we saw once back during Black Friday, you’re otherwise looking at the best tracked price, which saves you $200 off the going rate. If you already have a collection of EGO ARC batteries, you can pick the station up on its own for $593.
Greenworks’ framed 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer back at $120 while the 12-inch cleaner attachment is at $23 (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 1,900 PSI Electric Framed Pressure Washer at $119.99 shipped (currently unavailable on Amazon and beating the brand’s direct website by $30), which is running parallel to the one-day-only discount we’re also seeing on the brand’s 12-inch Surface Cleaner Attachment at $22.99 shipped. That pressure washer would normally run you $200 at full price, with discounts mostly taking it to this rate or higher, more often as a one-day-only deal, which has only been beaten out by a one-time discount to $118. For the rest of the day, you can pick one up at $80 off to tackle your outdoor cleaning needs at the next-best price we have tracked – landing just $2 above the all-time low.
Gain more portable workspace with Worx’s Pegasus 2-in-1 folding table & sawhorse at $95 (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse at $94.99 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $42. It usually fetches $140 to $150 at full price across various marketplaces, with discounts over the last year having mostly kept costs above $110, though we have spied some short-term falls as low as $90. For the rest of the day, you can pick it up here with a $55 markdown that lands it at the second-best price of the last 12 months – just $5 above the low we last saw in January.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
The massive new Hyundai EV plant outside of Savannah, Georgia, was raided by ICE last week. Federal agents took hundreds of people into custody at the site, including executives from LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s battery partner and co-owner of the plant.
Update 09/10/2025: A charter plane was shown taking off from the Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, headed for the US.
According to reports (via The Associated Press), the plane landed in Atlanta, but cannot depart the US just yet due to unknown reasons on the US side.
The detainees are currently being held at an immigration detention center in Georgia. They are expected to be released and transferred to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where the charter plane is waiting to bring them home.
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The battery plant site that was raided is one of over 20 that South Korean companies are currently building in the US.
As the largest workplace raid by the US Homeland Security, the event is quickly spreading backlash among South Koreans.
Charles Kuck, an immigration attorney from Atlanta who represents several of the detained citizens, told The Associated Press that no other company in the US makes the machines used at Hyundai’s plant. So, they had to come from overseas to install or repair equipment at the plant. He added that many were doing so under various visa programs legally.
Why was the Hyundai EV plant raided by ICE?
After celebrating the grand opening of its new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia earlier this year, the Korean automaker said it’s “building the future of mobility with America, in America.”
On September 4, a construction site for a new battery plant was raided by US immigration authorities. Up to 475 people were arrested as part of an investigation into undocumented individuals. It was the US Department of Homeland Security’s largest single-site enforcement operation to date.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday, September 5 (via Yonhap News), claiming that the individuals were mistreated.
“The economic activities of our companies investing in the US and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated,” South Korean ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 models, which are built at HMGMA EV plant in Georgia (Source: Hyundai)
The ministry’s spokesperson added that “We conveyed our concern and regret through the US Embassy in Seoul today.” Korea sent officials to Washington and to the Hyundai plant to establish an on-site task force to deal with the matter.
Update 09/08/25: South Korea reached a “broad agreement” on September 7 to release the roughly 300 Korean citizens detained in the US.
A foreign ministry official confirmed on Monday (via Yonhap News) that “We have agreed on a plan to bring all our citizens back home safely via a chartered flight.” The official added that the citizens will head home voluntarily rather than facing deportation.
The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (Source: Hyundai)
Backlash is erupting in Korea after video footage circulated on social media showing the detained workers shackled before being loaded onto buses and DEA agents armed with guns outside the facility.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is in talks with Washington to discuss ways to prevent similar incidents from happening again, including increasing the visa quota for South Korean workers.
Hyundai Motor America CEO Jose Muñoz with Georgia Governor Brian P Kemp at Hyundai Day (Source: Hyundai)
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump still believes the US and South Korea have “a great relationship.” Trump told reporters after a visit to the US Open tennis final on September 8 that “we have a great relationship with South Korea, really good relationship.”
Trump later posted on Truth Social that the US will “make it quickly and legally possible” to bring foreign battery experts to the US, adding, “What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers.”
Hyundai IONIQ 9 built at HMGMA (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai’s site in Georgia spans nearly 3,000 acres total and includes an assembly facility, two battery plants, a weld shop, and several others for training, logistics, and more.
As the largest economic project in Georgia, the plant, including Hyundai’s suppliers, is expected to create nearly 40,000 jobs while drawing $12.6 billion into the state.
Hyundai currently builds the new 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9, its first three-row electric SUV, at the Georgia facility.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)
The ICE raid came just days after US President Trump hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House. It’s part of the administration’s aggressive crackdown on immigration. Lee has committed to investing another $150 billion in the US, including a new EV battery plant, as it seeks to ease trade tensions.
Check back soon for the latest information, as this is still an ongoing story. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.