Photo: Lithium-ion EV batteries. Credit: Website of LG Energy Solution.
The US International Trade Commission ruled on February 10 that SK Innovation misappropriated LG Chem’s trade secrets related to batteries for electric vehicles, and ordered ten years’ prohibition of importing SK Innovation’s batteries. LG Chem supplies batteries to Tesla and General Motors, while SK Innovation supplies Volkswagen and Ford.
The ITC, however, granted limited relief for SK Innovation to continue supplying Ford’s F-150 for four years and VW’s MEB for two years. Brian Kemp, the governor of Georgia where SK Innovation has its US plant, called on US President Joe Biden to overturn the ruling. Biden has 60 days to do so.