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Photo courtesy of Samsung SDI |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Samsung SDI has signed a multi-year agreement to supply next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries to Mercedes-Benz, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion.
Under the agreement, Samsung SDI will begin supplying high-nickel (over 80% nickel content) nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) prismatic batteries starting in 2028. These batteries will be used in Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation EV lineup.
This marks the first time Samsung SDI will supply EV batteries to Mercedes-Benz. With this deal, the company becomes the only South Korean battery maker supplying all three major German premium automakers—Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.
The contract value is estimated to be in the multi-trillion won range. The batteries will be installed in compact yet high-performance models, including SUVs and coupe variants.
Industry sources suggest that Mercedes-Benz is seeking to diversify its prismatic battery supply chain, which has been heavily reliant on Chinese suppliers, and has turned to Samsung SDI as part of that strategy.
The deal is also believed to have been supported by high-level engagement, including meetings between Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Mercedes-Benz executives in recent months.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
