Samsung SDI, a battery manufacturer based in South Korea, plans to expand its battery pack manufacturing capacity in Michigan, USA.
The battery manufacturer spent $62.7 million on the site and has been manufacturing battery packs there since 2018.
However, due to the increasing demand in particular for Stellantis plug-in hybrids (Jeep PHEV and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid), Samsung SDI is expected to add another battery pack production line.
Meanwhile, Samsung SDI’s biggest project in the US is a battery gigafactory worth more than US$2.5 billion which will be built in Kokomo, USA and this is a joint venture project with Stellantis.
If all goes according to plan, production will start in the first half of 2025, while initial production capacity is expected to be around 23 GWh per year.
In addition, Samsung SDI is also a supplier of batteries to many other car makers, including BMW.
Currently, the battery manufacturer is developing 46xx round battery cells for BMW as well as Tesla.
In addition to prismatic cells in various sizes and the new 46xx cylinder cells, Samsung SDI also offers the 2170 type cylinder cell, which is used by Rivian in the Rivian R1T pickup and Rivian R1S SUV.
Last week, Samsung SDI introduced its newest battery technology for commercial vehicles at the IAA Transportation 2022 taking place in Hannover, Germany.
Launching from Koreajoongangdaily, Samsung SDI introduced its next generation battery, dubbed Gen 6.
These batteries feature higher energy density, faster charging and longer cycle life.
“Our Gen 6 battery has a nickel content of 91 percent with an increased energy density of 10 percent,” said Samsung SDI, adding that the battery will begin mass production in 2024.
Samsung and Stellantis open up opportunities to build electric vehicle battery factories in the US
