Cornex–Dongfeng power battery deal signals deeper EV supply-chain ties

Cornex

Cornex–Dongfeng power battery deal anchors five-year growth for both firms. The Cornex–Dongfeng power battery deal covers over 30GWh of supply. Therefore, the Cornex–Dongfeng power battery deal strengthens downstream EV launches and commercial fleets.

China’s battery demand keeps accelerating on EV and storage growth. Cornex will also expand R&D cooperation with Dongfeng Liuzhou. As a result, the partners can tailor pack designs and logistics. They did not disclose prices or delivery cadence.

Upstream security: LFP cathode and copper foil locked in

Cornex moved early to secure key feedstocks this year. It signed 150,000t of LFP cathode with Jiangsu Lopal in May. It added 152,000t of LFP from EVE Energy in June. It also secured 160,000t of copper foil from Nuode over five years. Consequently, the cell maker reduces cost volatility and quality risk across its lines.

Meanwhile, China’s battery ecosystem continues to scale. Power battery output reached 831.1GWh in January–July. Installed volumes hit 355.4GWh over the same period. Year-on-year growth was 58% and 45%, respectively. Those tailwinds support OEM ramp schedules and fleet electrification.

Market position: modest share, rising trajectory

Cornex installed 2.42GWh of LFP packs in January–July. That equals 0.7% of China’s installed base. However, it remains a top-15 domestic LFP installer. Therefore, the Dongfeng anchor order could accelerate share gains. R&D collaboration should compress qualification timelines and improve pack energy density.

Dongfeng plans passenger and commercial EV expansion. Cornex’s secured materials and new contracts improve delivery certainty. As a result, both sides can plan platform roadmaps with clearer cost curves.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Anchor agreements matter most when paired with upstream hedges. Cornex’s cathode and copper-foil locks de-risk this award and future bids. Watch how quickly the pair converts framework supply into model-specific SOP schedules and sustained monthly GWh.