Tesla in talks to purchase $2.9 billion of solar equipment from Chinese firms

Sources say Tesla is negotiating to purchase about 20 billion yuan ($2.9 billion) of equipment for solar panel and cell manufacturing from Chinese suppliers, including Suzhou Maxwell. Some items, reportedly including screen-printing lines, will require Chinese export approval and deliveries were said to be requested before this autumn.

Tesla is reported to be in talks to acquire roughly 20 billion yuan ($2.9 billion) of equipment from Chinese suppliers to build solar panels and cells. The effort is tied to CEO Elon Musk's goal to add 100 gigawatts of U.S. solar capacity, a target reflected in Tesla job postings for domestic manufacturing. Suzhou Maxwell Technologies is named as a leading candidate to supply screen-printing equipment, and other potential suppliers were identified. Sources said some of the machinery would need export approval from Chinese regulators and that companies were asked to deliver before this autumn. Key details: - The reported equipment purchase totals about 20 billion yuan ($2.9 billion), according to sources. - Suzhou Maxwell Technologies has been identified as a leading candidate and has sought export approval from China’s commerce ministry, the sources said. - Other potential suppliers named include Shenzhen S.C New Energy Technology and Laplace Renewable Energy Technology. - Some equipment, including screen-printing production lines, is reported to require Chinese export approval; how much will need approval and the timing are unclear. - Sources said companies were told to deliver before this autumn and that some shipments were expected to be sent to Texas. - Tesla, China’s commerce ministry, and the named Chinese companies did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Summary: If carried out, the reported purchases would supply machinery for Tesla’s announced U.S. solar manufacturing expansion and some capacity would be used for SpaceX, according to sources. Regulatory approvals and precise delivery schedules remain undetermined at this time.