BYD States that Terms of Chilean Lithium Project Are Yet to Be Finalized, Projected Production Start-up Time to Be Delayed" BYD stated that the timing for its lithium project in Chile is still undecided and that negotiations with Chilean authorities will continue. In April last year, BYD was approved to obtain lithium carbonate produced by SQM in Chile at a preferential price to provide raw materials for a plant planned to start producing lithium iron phosphate for cathodes by the end of 2025. Li Ke, BYD's Executive Vice President, said in an interview with the media in Shenzhen on Monday that the terms have not been finalized, and the projected production start-up time will be delayed. She added that the company must ensure a good deal. Li Ke noted that the company is still in negotiations with the local government, and the decision now lies in the hands of the government.