U.S. automaker Ford Motor Co. is in talks with South Korean battery cell maker SK On Co. and electric-vehicle battery part producer EcoPro BM Co. to construct a cathode materials plant in Quebec.

The official announcement of an funding of greater than US$700 million for a plant in Becancour could come inside three months, stated an individual acquainted with the deal. The deal was first reported within the Korea Financial Day by day.

The funding within the metropolis northeast of Montreal can be the newest in a sequence of agreements by giant industrial gamers answering Quebec’s name to make the province a North American battery provide chain hub.

The businesses already agreed to spend money on a North American manufacturing facility with building of a manufacturing unit beginning subsequent 12 months, in accordance with a July press launch. The plant would provide batteries for a three way partnership between SK On and Ford in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Lobbyists registries for the federal and provincial governments present South Korea’s EcoPro BM seeks monetary help to assist construct the plant. An individual in Quebec’s authorities with information of the potential deal confirmed discussions with EcoPro BM and Ford.

SK On stated “nothing is determined on particulars of the plan,” whereas Ford stated by electronic mail that its plans are “on observe” with out offering data on the situation. EcoPro BM declined to remark.