Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has acquired a 20% stake in New Zealand-based CarbonScape, joining Hong Kong investment firm Lochpine in the transaction.
The deal marks a significant step for the Chinese battery giant in securing upstream access to green graphite, a critical material for electric vehicle batteries.
The investment underscores the intensifying competition for critical mineral supply chains as major manufacturers seek to diversify away from traditional sources.
By taking a direct equity position in CarbonScape, CATL aims to lock in supply of sustainably produced graphite, aligning with growing regulatory and consumer pressure for cleaner battery production methods.
This move follows CATL's broader strategy to expand its global infrastructure footprint.
Earlier this year, the company announced a joint initiative with UK-based Octopus Energy to build more than 30 battery-swap stations across Europe by 2035, focusing on heavy-duty transport applications.