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Lucas Herrera
Clean Energy & EV Reporter

Solar, wind, batteries, and the EV supply chain. Grew up in Chile's lithium triangle — understands the resource side of the energy transition firsthand.

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Chinese lithium producer Ganfeng Lithium expects accelerated growth in its energy storage battery shipments in 2026, citing a tight supply-demand balance and the potential for high oil prices to increase long-term demand.

Ganfeng Lithium sees 2026 battery growth on tight supply

**Key Takeaways:** * Ganfeng Lithium expects “relatively fast growth” for its energy storage battery shipments in 2026, citing a tight supply-demand balance for the raw material. * The outlook is supported by a peer forecast from SQM, which sees lithium carbonate prices stabilizing between $15 and $18 per kilogram in 2026. * Persistent supply challenges, including export restrictions from key producers like Zimbabwe, and rising demand from the EV and energy storage sectors underpin the tight market.

Chinese officials are considering restricting exports of advanced solar panel manufacturing equipment to the U.S., a move that could disrupt the American solar industry and escalate the tech rivalry between the two nations.

China Weighs Solar Tech Curbs, Threatening 100 GW of US Plans

**Key Takeaways** * China is considering export curbs on advanced solar manufacturing equipment, a move aimed at protecting its technological lead and dominant market position. * The policy threatens US companies like Tesla, which aims to build 100 gigawatts of local capacity and reportedly sought $2.9 billion in Chinese equipment. * US-based First Solar may benefit as its technology is not dependent on the Chinese supply chain, while other solar stocks fell on the news.

On April 15, 2026, Ford announced that Doug Field, the company's chief of EV and technology, is leaving the automaker as part of a broader leadership reorganization.

Ford’s EV and Tech Chief Departs After 5 Years in Shakeup

**Key Takeaways:** * Doug Field, Ford's chief of EV and technology, is leaving the company in May as part of a broader leadership reorganization. * Field, a veteran of both Tesla and Apple, was instrumental in developing Ford's next-generation EV platform. * The departure comes as Ford restructures its product creation teams to accelerate development and target an 8% adjusted profit margin for its commercial business by 2029.

Reports that China is considering restricting exports of advanced solar energy equipment components to the United States caused a general decline in solar sector stocks on April 15, 2026.

China Solar Export Curbs Threaten US Projects, Stocks Fall

* China mulls solar component export restrictions to the United States. * US solar stocks decline on fears of supply chain disruption. * Potential for higher costs and project delays for US solar companies.

Contemporary Amperex Technology announces a 30 billion yuan investment to create Times Resources Group, a new subsidiary focused on securing new energy mineral resources.

CATL to invest RMB 30 billion in new minerals unit

**Key Takeaways:** * CATL to launch a new mineral resources subsidiary with RMB 30 billion in registered capital. * The new entity, Times Resources Group, will manage and invest in upstream mining assets globally. * The move aims to secure raw material supply for CATL's core battery manufacturing business.

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) announced a ¥30 billion ($4.1 billion) investment to establish Times Resources Group, a new subsidiary focused on securing upstream new energy mineral resources.

CATL to Invest ¥30 Billion in Upstream Minerals to Secure Battery Supply Chain

**Key Takeaways:** * Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) is launching a new subsidiary, Times Resources Group, with a registered capital of ¥30 billion. * The new entity will focus on acquiring and managing upstream mineral resources to ensure raw material supply for CATL's battery business. * This vertical integration strategy aims to de-risk the supply chain and control costs in the competitive global battery market.

XPeng's new GX SUV, a prototype for Level 4 Robotaxis, has entered the pre-sale phase, signaling the company's push into the premium market and autonomous driving.

XPeng launches G9 SUV pre-sales at 399,800 RMB to prototype L4 Robotaxi

**Key Takeaways:** * XPeng has initiated pre-sales for its first full-size SUV, the GX, with both electric and extended-range versions starting at 399,800 RMB. * The GX is the first model built on XPeng's new SEPA 3.0 architecture, which integrates advanced technologies for autonomous driving. * This vehicle serves as a prototype for Level 4 Robotaxis, a key step in XPeng's strategy to lead in the autonomous mobility sector.

Major Chinese automakers are leveraging their plug-in hybrid supply chains to launch a new generation of low-cost, intelligent hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) aimed at competing with Japanese manufacturers globally.

Chinese automakers target Toyota with HEVs undercutting rivals by 20 percent

**Key Takeaways** * Chinese automakers are launching a new generation of HEVs by adapting their mature and cost-effective PHEV platforms. * These new models challenge Japanese dominance by offering smart features and advanced electronics, previously lacking in HEVs, at a 15-20% lower cost. * The strategic push targets not just the domestic Chinese market but key export regions like Europe and Southeast Asia where HEV demand is strong.

On April 15, 2026, Brisbane-based Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (GMG) announced it has doubled the energy density of its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery (G+A CELLS) technology, which also features a 6-minute charging time, as part of a joint development with the University of Queensland, Rio Tinto, and the Battery Innovation Center of Indiana.

GMG Doubles Energy Density of 6-Minute Charging Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery

* Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) has doubled the energy density of its Graphene Aluminium-Ion batteries. * The battery technology boasts a 6-minute charging time, a significant advantage over traditional lithium-ion batteries. * This development could disrupt the EV and energy storage markets, impacting major players like Tesla and Panasonic.

On April 15, 2026, the U.S. Patent Office granted Manganese X Energy Corp. a patent for its proprietary purification process for manganese sulphate, a material used in lithium-ion batteries.

Manganese X Secures 2nd Key Patent for EV Battery Manganese Process

**Key Takeaways:** * Manganese X Energy Corp. has received a U.S. patent for its process to purify manganese for electric vehicle batteries. * The patent covers the company’s proprietary method for producing high-purity manganese sulphate, a critical battery input. * This marks the company's second major patent win in 2026, following a similar grant in South Africa in February.

On April 15, 2026, Full Circle Lithium Corp. (FCL) will conduct a live demonstration of its FCL-X™ fire suppression technology for representatives from seven major U.S. airlines and logistics leaders at the headquarters of a major logistics company.

Full Circle Lithium to Demo FCL-X Fire Suppressant for 7 Major US Airlines

**Key Takeaways:** * Full Circle Lithium will demonstrate its FCL-X lithium-ion battery fire suppression technology to seven major U.S. airlines on April 15. * The event addresses the increasing risk of lithium battery fires in air cargo, a major safety concern for the logistics and aviation sectors. * A successful demonstration could position FCL-X as a key safety standard, potentially leading to significant contracts and a first-mover advantage.

On April 14, 2026, XCF Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: SAFX), DevvStream Corp. (NASDAQ: DEVS), and Southern Energy Renewables Inc. signed a definitive Business Combination Agreement for a three-party merger to create a next-generation energy platform.

XCF Global, DevvStream, and Southern Energy Merge to Form Next-Gen Energy Platform

**Key Takeaways:** * XCF Global, DevvStream, and Southern Energy Renewables to merge, creating a vertically integrated sustainable energy and carbon credit entity. * The merger aims to build a next-generation energy platform focused on decarbonization and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). * The combination is expected to enhance market position and attract further investment into the SAF and decarbonization sectors.

The French government will increase annual spending on green electrification to €10 billion by 2030, shifting away from fuel subsidies in response to high oil prices.

France to boost green electricity spending to €10 billion by 2030

**France is pivoting its energy strategy from short-term fuel subsidies to long-term electrification, earmarking €10 billion in annual support by 2030 to accelerate its green transition.**

China's customs agency reported a 77.5% surge in electric vehicle exports and a 50.4% rise in lithium battery exports for the first quarter of 2026, intensifying pressure on international car manufacturers.

China EV Exports Jump 77.5% in Q1, Squeezing Global Auto Rivals

* China's Q1 2026 electric vehicle exports increased by 77.5% year-over-year. * Lithium battery exports grew 50.4%, solidifying China's supply chain dominance. * The export boom increases competitive pressure on global automakers like Tesla, Ford, and Volkswagen, potentially leading to trade tensions.

China's General Administration of Customs reported that first-quarter electric vehicle exports jumped 77.5% year-over-year, signaling escalating competition in the global auto market.

China's EV exports surge 77.5% in Q1, intensifying the global price war

* China's Q1 2026 EV exports grew 77.5 percent year-over-year, showing accelerated overseas expansion. * Lithium battery exports also jumped 50.4 percent, cementing China's supply chain dominance. * The export boom puts more pressure on US and European carmakers amid a global EV price war.

CATL and SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to partner on industrial expansion, battery swapping technology, and joint overseas expansion.

CATL and SAIC-GM-Wuling ink deal for 4 areas of EV expansion

**Key Takeaways:** * CATL and SAIC-GM-Wuling form a strategic partnership for global EV expansion. * The two companies will collaborate on battery swapping technology for passenger and commercial vehicles. * The alliance aims to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem, challenging competitors like Tesla and BYD.

A broad rally in lithium producers, including a more than 7% jump for Sigma Lithium, signals renewed investor interest in the electric vehicle supply chain.

Lithium stocks surge over 7% on renewed EV sector optimism

* US-listed lithium stocks saw a broad-based rally on April 13, led by a gain of over 7% for Sigma Lithium. * Major producers including Albemarle, Lithium Argentina, and SQM also posted significant gains of 3-5%. * The rally suggests a potential shift in investor sentiment for the lithium sector, a critical component of the EV battery supply chain.

GAC Group showcased five new technologies at its 2026 Tech Day, marking the culmination of a significant 1.5-year corporate restructuring aimed at boosting its competitiveness in the Chinese auto market.

GAC unveils 5 new auto technologies after major overhaul

**Key Takeaways** * GAC Group unveiled five new technologies at its 2026 Tech Day, including its next-generation “Xingyuan” hybrid system and “Xingling 4.0” electrical architecture, after a 1.5-year restructuring. * The new plug-in hybrid system targets a sub-4 liter per 100km fuel consumption for SUVs, aiming to directly compete with market leaders like BYD and Geely. * These announcements are the first major results of GAC’s “Panyu Action,” a deep corporate overhaul that split its central R&D institute into smaller, market-focused units.

JD Auto and Deepal Auto signed a strategic cooperation agreement for the exclusive sale of the Deepal L06 extended-range model on the JD platform.

JD Auto Nabs Exclusive Rights to Deepal L06 EV in New Partnership

JD Auto and Deepal Auto have entered a strategic partnership, giving JD.com exclusive rights to sell the new Deepal L06 extended-range electric vehicle. The deal provides Deepal Auto direct access to JD.com's vast user base, potentially accelerating sales for the new L06 model. For JD.com, the partnership strengthens its foothold in the electric vehicle market, increasing competitive pressure on other e-commerce and auto retail platforms.

On April 13, 2026, a major energy supply disruption from a Middle East conflict led to a stock market rally in China's new energy sector, with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) reaching a new all-time high.

China new energy stocks gain as oil crisis benefits 4 sectors

### Key Takeaways * A Middle East conflict and soaring oil prices are redirecting global capital to China's new energy supply chain. * CATL's stock hit an all-time high as investors re-price energy security, benefiting the solar, wind, battery, and EV sectors. * Chinese EV and hybrid exports more than doubled in March to a record 349,000 units as high oil prices boosted demand.

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