EV partnerships are the driving force behind a faster shift to sustainable transportation.
As EV demand grows, teamwork among automakers, tech innovators and infrastructure developers becomes essential to tackling the big challenges: efficient charging networks, advanced battery tech and lowering production costs.
These alliances allow companies to pool resources, share expertise and spark innovation, paving the way for more accessible, affordable EV options.
In the end, collaboration across the EV industry builds a connected ecosystem that supports broad adoption and drives meaningful environmental impact.
With this in mind, EV Magazine examines the top 10 EV partnerships to watch as we look ahead to 2025.
10. BYD & Toyota
BYD and Toyota, two automotive giants, joined forces to accelerate their EV development in 2019.
They announced a partnership to establish a joint venture company focused on researching and developing battery electric vehicles (BEVs), combining BYD's strengths in EV development and competitiveness with Toyota's quality and safety technology.
The partnership has already yielded results, with the launch of the Toyota bZ3 EV in China, which utilises BYD's battery technology.
The collaboration represents a significant step for both companies in the rapidly evolving EV market.
9. RNM
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, formed in 1999 and expanded in 2016, is a strategic partnership between three major automotive manufacturers.
The collaboration aims to enhance competitiveness and profitability by leveraging each company's strengths, sharing technologies and streamlining operations.
The Alliance employs more than 450,000 people and operates more than 120 manufacturing plants globally.
It has invested heavily in research and development, focusing on EVs and innovative technologies.
Despite facing governance and power balance challenges, the Alliance remains a significant force in the automotive industry, with a combined annual production capacity in excess of 10 million vehicles.
8. Mercedes-Benz & Rivian
Mercedes-Benz and Rivian announced a strategic partnership in September 2022 to jointly produce large electric vans.
The collaboration should reduce development and production costs for both companies. The first models expected to launch in 2025.
This will result in at least two large vans: one of which is based on Mercedes' VAN.EA (Vans Electric Architecture) and another on Rivian's second-generation Light Van platform (RLV).
Production will take place at an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Europe, which will be converted to an electric-only facility.
7. Hyundai & SK On
Hyundai Motor Group and SK On have formed a significant partnership to bolster Hyundai's EV production in North America.
The two companies plan to establish a joint venture with a US$5bn investment to build an EV battery cell production plant in Bartow County, Georgia.
The facility, set to begin operations in the second half of 2025, will have an annual production capacity of 35 GWh, sufficient to support 300,000 EVs.
This strategic collaboration aims to secure a stable battery supply for Hyundai's US manufacturing facilities, accelerating the Group's electrification efforts.
6. BMW & Toyota
BMW and Toyota have strengthened their collaboration in the hydrogen sector, focusing on developing fuel cell technology.
The partnership began in 2011 and has now entered a new phase with plans to jointly develop a third-generation fuel cell system for use in both companies' vehicles.
BMW aims to launch its first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, utilising this shared technology.
The collaboration extends beyond vehicle development. Both automakers are working to improve hydrogen infrastructure and encourage sustainable hydrogen supply.
5. Stellantis & Samsung SDI
Stellantis and Samsung SDI have formed a significant partnership to bolster EV battery production in the US.
The companies established a joint venture called StarPlus Energy, which is constructing two giga-factories in Kokomo, Indiana.
The first plant, announced in 2022, will begin production in early 2025 and have an annual capacity of 33 GWh. In 2023, plans were announced plans for a second facility, scheduled to start operations in early 2027 with a 34 GWh capacity.
The total investment for both plants exceeds US$6.3bn, creating approximately 2,800 new jobs. This collaboration supports Stellantis' ambitious electrification goals outlined in its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.
4. Volkswagen Group & PowerCo
PowerCo, established by Volkswagen in 2022, is responsible for the development and production of battery cells, as well as vertical integration of the battery value chain.
The company is building three cell factories with a combined annual capacity of up to 200 GWh in Salzgitter (Germany), Valencia (Spain) and St. Thomas (Canada).
This collaboration aims to secure a stable battery supply for Volkswagen's growing EV line-up.
Recently, PowerCo partnered with QuantumScape to industrialise solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company plans to produce up to 80 GWh annually, potentially powering one million vehicles per year.
3. General Motors & Honda
General Motors and Honda had initially announced plans to co-develop a series of affordable compact SUVs using GM's Ultium battery technology.
The goal was to produce EVs priced below US$30,000, with production to begin in 2027.
Despite cancelling this specific project, GM and Honda continue collaborating in other areas.
They are still working together on EVs, fuel cell technology and autonomous ride-hailing vehicles like the Cruise Origin.
Additionally, Honda's first mass-market EV for the US, the Prologue SUV, which was jointly developed with GM and built on the Ultium platform, was released this year.
2. Ford & SK Innovation
Ford and SK Innovation have formed a joint venture called BlueOval SK to accelerate electric vehicle battery production in the United States.
The partnership involves a combined investment of US$11.4bn to build three battery plants - two in Kentucky and one in Tennessee.
These facilities will have a total annual production capacity of 129 GWh, enough to power approximately 2.15 million electric vehicles annually. The Tennessee plant, set to begin trial operations in mid-2024, will have a 45 GWh capacity.
This collaboration aims to support Ford's electrification goals, with plans to produce at least 240 GWh of battery cell capacity globally by 2030.
1. Tesla & Panasonic
The Tesla and Panasonic partnership has been a cornerstone of Tesla's EV production since its early days.
The collaboration began in 2009 when Panasonic started supplying lithium-ion battery cells for Tesla's Roadster. In 2014, the partnership deepened with the joint development of the 'Gigafactory 1' in Nevada, where Panasonic manufactures battery cells for Tesla's vehicles.
Over the years, the two companies have collaborated to improve battery technology, increase energy density and reduce costs.
Panasonic has supplied various battery cell types to Tesla, including the 18650, 2170 and, more recently, the 4680 cells. The partnership has enabled Tesla to scale its EV production and maintain its competitive edge in the market.
Despite occasional tensions and Tesla's efforts to diversify its battery suppliers, the Panasonic partnership remains strong.
In 2023, Panasonic announced plans to produce an improved version of the 2170 cells for Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y, aiming to increase energy density and potentially reduce EV prices.
This ongoing collaboration represents the best of the EV industry, pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and setting the bar high for the rest of the industry.
Make sure you check out the latest edition of EV Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2025.
EV Magazine is a BizClik brand.
