CATL is reluctant to build a factory in the country due to political tensions between Washington and Beijing as well as cost concerns.

BloombergNEF expects the nickel price to remain elevated above $18,000, although it will continue to underperform copper and aluminum.

Rock Tech Lithium is preparing a Nasdaq listing to broaden its investor base and help finance a $545 million battery metals plant in Germany.

Demand for copper, nickel, lithium, and cobalt has risen sharply, driven by the global move to lower carbon emissions and electric vehicle makers chasing battery ingredients.

Battery startup Our Next Energy said Monday it has raised $25 million in a fresh fundraising round.