If both of these companies have the same timeline-- they will be able to use synergy (big benefit for ABTC since Big brother BASF has a massive intellectual braintrust among other beneficial things for ABTC) in getting this first of kind system producing/recycling sustainable battery material.
In my opinion:
BASF wanted to get this done a long time ago and is taking a very measure /methodical approach to making this a success. The synergy will keep them focused and will probably introduce a competitive nuance to see who can cut the ribbon first. Either way, investors win.