Ford says he is not worried about Volkswagen battery plant delay
Ontario EV battery plant delay: Doug Ford says Volkswagen's St. Thomas project still moves ahead See why the $7B PowerCo plant matters as Ford, Fedeli and critics weigh the long-term outlook
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is not concerned about Volkswagen's twoyear delay to the opening of a planned electric vehicle battery plant in St. Thomas, Ontario.
PowerCo Canada, Volkswagen's battery subsidiary, said the delay at the $7 billion project is tied in part to weaker EV demand. The company also said the extra time will help it prepare for newer battery technology and keep room to expand as market conditions change.
Ford said the project is still moving ahead and described the facility as a major investment that he expects will be completed and operating within a few years. Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli also backed the project, while opposition politicians said the delay raises concerns about jobs and the future of the plant. The article also notes that other automakers in Ontario have slowed or changed EVrelated plans amid softer demand and trade tensions.