Japan’s reliance on foreign battery supplies has been laid bare by Suzuki’s decision to abandon plans for a small electric vehicle, highlighting deep vulnerabilities in its automotive industry. The automaker’s shift away from the project underscores how Chinese dominance in battery production forces Japanese manufacturers to reconsider local EV development. With domestic battery capacity lagging far behind global demand, the move raises concerns over long-term competitiveness in the electric vehicle market. Industry experts warn that without stronger domestic supply chains, Japan risks falling further behind in the critical transition to electrification.
Suzuki's mini EV bet exposes Japan's battery vulnerability to China Nikkei Asia
