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Biden’s electric vehicle plans put to test in dispute between battery makers Source: By Steven Mufson, Washington Post • Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2021
The U.S. International Trade Commission is throwing a wrench into President Biden’s electric vehicle plans, restricting a major battery manufacturer from importing some of the hardware at the heart of many emissions-free cars made in the United States.
In a decision issued Wednesday evening, the independent agency ruled the battery maker, SK Innovation, was making batteries with trade secrets stolen from one of its competitors, LG Chem.
The spat between the two South Korean corporate giants could have ripple effects for U.S. automakers gearing up to produce electric vehicles. It also puts Biden himself in the hot seat since he has to decide whether to let the ITC’s decision move forward.