Sources say General Motors will purchase batteries from CATL for use in low-cost Bolt electric vehicles

General MotorsIt plans to purchase electric vehicle batteries from China to power its upcoming entry-level electric vehicles, pending a partnership with South Korea's LG New Energy to manufacture the batteries in the United States.

The automaker said in a statement Thursday that it will source lithium iron phosphate batteries from foreign countries by 2027 for its Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle. "To remain competitive, GM will temporarily source these battery packs to power our most affordable electric vehicle models from similar suppliers," the statement said.

China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. will supply the batteries, the media quoted a person familiar with the matter as saying. The Bolt will go into production later this year at GM's plant in Kansas City, Kansas.