As per numerous media reports, General Motors (GM) is reportedly set to announce a fresh partnership related to electric vehicle (EV) batteries with Samsung SDI. Unofficial sources indicate that the two companies may sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, March 8th.
Earlier news revealed that the talks between GM and LG Energy Solution (LGES) regarding their fourth battery plant in the US stalled. GM and LGES have already initiated three Ultium Cells battery projects, with the first plant producing battery cells since 2022.
See also: Samsung and Stellantis open up opportunities to build electric vehicle battery factories in the US
The previous plants with LGES were focused on pouch battery form factors, while rumors suggest that GM is considering using cylindrical battery cells for the first time. Adding an extra EV battery partner could allow GM to use new cylindrical batteries that the existing partner is unable to supply up to the specifications, time, or cost requirements.
This is where Samsung SDI comes into the picture. The South Korean manufacturer mainly supplies prismatic battery cells and smaller capacity cylindrical cells (1865 or 2170 types), which LGES also offers. However, Samsung SDI is also pursuing higher-capacity 46xx-type cylindrical battery cells, which have a standard diameter of 46 millimeters.
Unofficial reports indicate that the GM-Samsung SDI partnership could result in a joint venture factory in Michigan with an annual manufacturing capacity of 30-50 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells, which is sufficient for 300,000-500,000 BEVs (assuming 100 kWh/car). Such a factory could cost at least a few billion dollars.
See also: Samsung SDI expands battery manufacturing plant in Michigan with $62.7 million investment
It will be interesting to see if this switch necessitates the creation of an entirely new EV platform, or if the Ultium platform is adaptable enough to accommodate the new type of cells/modules, or even cell-to-pack design. GM CEO Mary Barra stated that “One of the strengths of the GM platform is the ability to use pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical battery cells,” indicating that the rumors of cylindrical battery cells could be accurate.
Tesla also uses various battery form factors (and chemistries), starting with 1865, 2170, 4680, and prismatic (LFP), not even dropping the earliest 1865 type. Therefore, a joint venture with GM would be a significant boost for Samsung SDI, which has so far been a much smaller EV battery supplier than LGES and later SK Innovation’s SK On. The company is also collaborating with Stellantis to build a battery factory in Indiana and expanding its battery pack facility in Michigan.
