Although factors like Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) vehicle price cuts weighed on shares in the China-based EV maker earlier in the month, several developments, including a recently-announced battery partnership deal (more below) have perked up investor enthusiasm for the stock. Investors overall have been cycling back into electric vehicle stocks, in large part to recent signs that economic headwinds like inflation and interest rates could soon ease. As InvestorPlace’s Eddie Pan reported on Jan. 18, the EV maker has entered a five-year cooperation agreement with Chinese electric battery company Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL).