LG monitoring Tesla's plan to manufacture batteries
The gigafactory of electric carmaker Tesla is seen in Shanghai, China, in this file photo, Tuesday. Reuters-YonhapBy Kim Yoo-chulLG Chem said Tuesday it was “closely monitoring” activities by “a number of companies” including Tesla, which aim to develop their own batteries, as this would impact the firm's battery business.“As demand for batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) is rising, some companies inside the battery industry are aiming to develop their own batteries. LG Chem is closely monitoring updates, activities and looming trends in the market we are deeply involved in,” the company told investors upon announcing its first-quarter earnings results. LG is the global leader in battery cells and packs, supplying them to the world's leading carmakers. While LG Chem is leading the global EV market, Tesla's entry, if it actually happens, will have a greater impact on the overall battery supply chain management (SCM) given Tesla's ongoing and expected outperformance in terms of profits and sales, in addition to the growing reflection of the change