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(Photo= Yonhap news) |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] LG Energy Solution’s cylindrical battery plant in Arizona is poised to become a major supply hub for its next-generation battery technology. Recently, LG Energy Solution signed a multi-trillion-won contract with Mercedes-Benz to supply 46-series batteries. Following Tesla, the adoption of 46-series batteries by another premium automaker like Mercedes-Benz suggests that more manufacturers may soon embrace this standard.
According to industry reports on November 4, LG Energy Solution plans to establish the Arizona plant as a central production base for the booming electric vehicle (EV) market. The facility will focus on manufacturing advanced 46-series cylindrical batteries, becoming the core of North American cylindrical battery production.
LG Energy Solution has committed 7.2 trillion KRW to the Arizona plant, which will be its second standalone facility globally and its first to produce both cylindrical and energy storage system (ESS) batteries. The cylindrical and ESS LFP production lines are slated to start operations in 2026.
The company anticipates an industry upturn starting in 2025, and securing demand is a top priority. The sizable contract with Mercedes-Benz for 46-series batteries is an encouraging development toward that goal, with production set to take place at the Arizona plant. Tesla is also expected to use 4680 batteries in its upcoming Cybertruck and Model Y Juniper, suggesting that the 4680 may become an industry standard.
LG Energy Solution’s Arizona project has drawn significant interest from partners. The company recently invited Seongwoo, its exclusive supplier of top cap assemblies, to join the Arizona venture. Seongwoo has completed preparations for 46-series battery production and is ready to commence mass production upon request from LG Energy Solution.
Seongwoo’s international investment timeline is aligned with the Arizona plant’s 2026 operational target. By next year, Seongwoo plans to establish a U.S. subsidiary and finalize the site location, with full-scale production set to commence in 2026 to meet LG Energy Solution’s schedule.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim SangJin(letyou@alphabiz.co.kr)
