The world’s second-largest automaker by volume said it will build an electric-vehicle battery cell plant in St. Thomas, Ont., its first on the continent. The plant will start production in 2027. The announcement did not disclose details about the value of the investment, whether it will receive government funds or the number of jobs it expects to create. (The Logic)

Talking point: The investment is a boon for the corridor between Toronto and Detroit as it fleshes out the battery-supply chain for a separate LG gigafactory in Windsor. The Canadian investment comes after reports that VW would prioritize North America over its European expansion plans to benefit from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which incentivizes North American EV manufacturing and free-trade of battery metals. The European Union has begun planning its own similar incentives and trade deals as a response to the IRA. In a press release, VW executives said the plant is “fast-forwarding” their North American strategy and sending a “strong message” about its role as a global battery player.