The two countries have reached an agreement to coordinate polices and investment to support the industry's growth.

Ford has struck deals with Albemarle, SQM and Nemaska Lithium as availability and cost of crucial battery materials have been key concerns.

Macron added that the two countries would cooperate on renewable energies and nuclear.

High-flying lithium has come crashing back to earth.

Global nickel prices are poised to decline over the next few years as top producer Indonesia ramps up supplies and production costs fall.

The evaluation will consider an initial annual capacity of 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes per annum.

Carmaker has lobbied the Japanese government to make clear it supported hybrid vehicles as much as BEVs.