Michigan AG asks Chinese battery maker Gotion to return $23.7 million after defaulting on US plant

Core Points - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has requested Gotion Inc to return $23.7 million in state funds after the company abandoned its plan to build a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan [1][2] - The project, initially announced in October 2022, was expected to create 2,350 factory jobs but faced criticism due to Gotion's Chinese ownership [2] - Gotion's parent company, Gotion High-Tech, has Volkswagen as its largest single shareholder, owning approximately 30% [3] Company Actions - Gotion has stated its commitment to driving America's clean energy future, including operations at a plant in Illinois [4] - The company has filed a lawsuit against Green Township in Michigan for allegedly breaching an agreement related to the plant [4] Industry Context - There has been a decline in American enthusiasm for electric vehicles, leading automakers to delay or cancel various factory and vehicle projects [4] - Recent policy changes regarding electric vehicles by the Trump administration have caused further retrenchment among automakers [4]