Additionally, the Volkswagen-invested battery maker announced its participation in the global race to make all-solid-state batteries, as China looks to catch up with rivals in producing an alternative battery success story. The Chinese battery maker has reduced dependency on external sources for raw materials including for its cathodes and anodes, ensuring relatively stable production in eastern China’s Anhui province. Overseas expansionGotion management also defended the company’s strategic supply of the American market, saying tariffs on Chinese battery imports would have little impact on the company’s US business operations. The Chinese battery maker plans local battery production, geared towards energy storage (one of its major exports to the US), in 2026, said Chen Ruilin, vice president of international business. The Illinois plant is expected to begin production this year, according to the state governor’s office.