Aug 7 (Reuters) - General Motors ( GM ) will import

electric vehicle batteries from Chinese battery giant CATL

, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on

Thursday.

The arrangement is a stopgap for GM in the next couple of

years as it works to manufacture its own lower-cost batteries

made with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, the source

said.

"For several years, other U.S. automakers have depended on

foreign suppliers for LFP battery sourcing and licensing. To

stay competitive, GM will temporarily source these packs from

similar suppliers to power our most affordable EV model," GM

said in a statement.

The Detroit automaker added that it sells 12 EVs in the

United States with domestically-produced battery cells, and in

2027 will bring LFP production to the U.S.

The Wall Street Journal earlier reported GM's plans to

import the batteries.

Global automakers are facing stiff competition from Chinese

EV makers and a trade war impacting imports of crucial parts,

including rare earth materials, which has pushed production

costs higher.

CATL didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

GM's crosstown rival Ford is also making battery cells

using tech from CATL to help reduce costs on EV batteries.