Chen Li, the president of Chinese electric vehicle battery maker Gotion will be deposed by the lawyers of Green Charter Township, a small Michigan community outside of Big Rapids. This is after a federal court denied a motion Gotion filed to avoid having its president deposed.
The dispute hinges on the proposed construction of a multibillion dollar EV battery plant in the township. The township board, with all newly elected members, revoked a resolution that would give the plant access to local water. Gotion sued in response, citing breach of contract. The township says the agreement is not an enforceable contract.
Gotion filed to prevent Li’s deposition, saying that he had no unique knowledge of the plans for the plant, and that the township sought to spread fear about his Chinese nationality. The court denied that motion, setting Li up for deposition.
In addition, the federal judge ruled that Gotion must turn over internal documents. Gotion must produce “plans, schematics, drawings, depictions, and renderings regarding the development of the project,” according court documents.
Gotion also must provide “all ecological, environmental, feasibility, or economic studies, reports, and analyses,” on the project.
The plant has become a flashpoint this election cycle.
The project was touted as a boon for the small mid-Michigan town’s economy. However, Republicans say that Gotion’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party raise national security concerns. In addition, environmentalists are concerned about the 715,000 gallons of water the plant will need daily.
Gotion’s lawyers did not respond to a request for comment. Kyle A. O’Meara, a senior associate with the law firm representing Green Charter Township, did not directly comment on the case. However, he did write in an email to WCMU that “our pleadings and the Court's orders speak for themselves.”
