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Electric Vehicle Supply Chain

Clients leverage our team's deep expertise in providing guidance throughout the EV supply chain continuum.
Electric vehicles

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Electric vehicles (EVs) no longer represent the future of the automotive industry; they have become a permanent fixture in today’s landscape. With governments and car manufacturers focusing on a wholesale shift to EVs within the next decade, the associated supply chain is now more important than ever — and that means increased opportunities for business.

In addition to recent federal and provincial government investments of tens of billions of dollars, a combination of factors makes Canada an ideal place to do business in this sector — from our rich natural resources to the country’s strong environmental credentials, emphasis on clean energy (including hydro power in the Province of Québec), vibrant startup and entrepreneurial community, qualified labour force and cutting-edge higher education. According to Bloomberg, Canada is at the forefront of the industry, second only to China in global top 30 EV supply chain rankings.

Canada is a key player in the natural resources, energy transition and renewable energy fields. It was also a key contributor specifically to the automotive sector for decades. Naturally, therefore, Canadian companies are playing a pivotal role in the expansion and mainstreaming of the EV industry, both as innovators of the technology and suppliers of the resources necessary for battery manufacturing, including lithium, cobalt and copper.

How we can help

The EV supply chain spans a broad range of processes and stakeholders, from suppliers of raw materials for battery development and manufacturers of component parts, to vehicle assemblers and providers of charging infrastructure, to service, maintenance and end-of-life recycling. Osler has supported clients along every step of the way as this market and the supporting technologies have evolved and disrupted the conventional combustion engine vehicle industry. Our firm is ideally positioned to share the insight we’ve gleaned from our experience to help you reach your goals and strategic objectives in the North American and global supply chains.

Clients regularly leverage our lawyers’ deep expertise in providing guidance throughout the EV supply chain continuum:

Stage

Process

Osler services

Raw materials supply

Raw materials – including lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite – are extracted and processed for EV production.

Battery manufacturing

Using raw materials, battery manufacturers assemble battery cells and integrate them into battery packs, ensuring their quality, performance and safety.

 

Component manufacturing

These manufacturers produce necessary parts and systems, including electric motors, power electronics, charging systems and infotainment systems.

Vehicle assembly

Assemblers integrate all the components and systems into a complete electric vehicle, overseeing the final assembly, quality control and testing processes. 

Charging infrastructure

Providers develop and deploy charging stations, including in cities, highways and parking lots, as well as home charging solutions.

Service and maintenance

Service providers offer maintenance, repairs and software updates for EVs, including battery servicing and replacement.

End of life

When batteries no longer serve their original purpose, they can be reused or recycled.

Key Contacts

Michael Fekete

Partner, Technology, Toronto

Hugo-Pierre Gagnon

Partner, Corporate, Montréal

Shahir Guindi, Ad. E.

Former National Co-Chair, Partner, Corporate, Montréal, Toronto

Alan Hutchison

Partner, Corporate, Vancouver

View all team members
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Osler is a leading business law firm practising internationally from offices across Canada and in New York. Our clients include industry and business leaders in all segments of the market and at various stages in the growth of their businesses. We have built our reputation on our commitment to our clients' success and the experience, expertise and collaborative approach for which we are recognized. We believe that our success is a reflection of our clients' success.