Samsung SDI expands cooperation with EV makers

Samsung SDI Co., the world’s sixth-largest electric vehicle cell maker, is expanding cooperation with its customers including General Motors Co. to become a global battery industry leader.

Samsung SDI and GM have decided to build a joint EV battery plant in New Carlisle, Indiana, with a target of operation from 2026. They aimed to produce more than 30-gigawatt hours of batteries a year in the factory, enough for more than 350,000 EVs.

“We are enhancing collaborations with our customers including GM and consolidating the global supply chain,” Samsung SDI President and CEO Choi Yoon-ho said at a ceremony for the company’s 53rd anniversary.

ALL-SOLID-STATE BATTERIES

The South Korean battery manufacturer made progress last year toward its target to become a global top-tier company by 2030, Choi said.

It formed a joint venture with Dutch-domiciled multinational automaker Stellantis N.V. while establishing research & development centers in the world’s three largest EV markets – China, Europe and the US. The company has also obtained top global talent.

Choi also unveiled the company’s plans for new products.

“We have completed the pilot line for all-solid-state batteries and are ready for sample production in the second half of the year, along with the mother line for 46-phi cylindrical batteries under preparations for development and mass production of next-generation products.”

Choi also emphasized the company's goals for environmental, social, and corporate governance.

“To achieve sustainable growth, we are focused on extending ESG management throughout all value chains including the supply chain,” he said. 

Write to Il-Gue Kim at black0419@hankyung.com
 

Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.