Samsung SDI and GM to develop prismatic EV batteries

South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI Co. has entered into a partnership with General Motors Co. (GM) to develop prismatic batteries that will be used in GM’s next-generation electric vehicle (EV) models.

Under the joint development agreement, the two companies will conduct research and development to produce prismatic batteries with high energy density and fast charging capabilities.

In addition, Samsung SDI will acquire a 49.99 percent stake in GM’s Synergy Cells, a joint venture worth 3.5 billion US dollars (approximately Rp62 trillion) established by the two companies in 2024 to build a battery plant in the United States.

“This decision aims to continue the joint efforts of both companies in developing future mobility solutions while responding to the increasing demand for energy storage systems (ESS) in the US market,” said a Samsung SDI official.

The electric vehicle battery plant is currently under construction in the state of Indiana, in the central United States, with an annual production capacity of more than 30 gigawatt hours (GWh).

Samsung SDI said the schedule for the start of commercial operations at the plant has not yet been determined.

In Indiana, Samsung SDI also operates an electric vehicle battery plant with a capacity of 23 GWh through a joint venture with Stellantis N.V. The plant also produces batteries for energy storage systems (ESS).