Samsung SDI’s Prism Stack technology is used in prismatic battery cells. Photo courtesy of Samsung SDI
Aug. 11 (Asia Today) — Samsung SDI said Tuesday it will jointly develop next-generation prismatic batteries with General Motors while acquiring GM’s entire stake in their U.S. battery joint venture, giving the South Korean company its first wholly owned battery manufacturing plant in North America.
Samsung SDI said it signed a joint development agreement with GM for advanced prismatic batteries designed for next-generation electric vehicles.
The companies plan to jointly research batteries incorporating Samsung SDI technologies including high energy density and fast charging.
The batteries developed under the agreement are expected to be considered for future GM electric vehicle models.
Samsung SDI will also acquire GM’s entire 49.99% interest in Synergy Cells, the joint venture established by the companies.
The transaction will transfer full ownership of the venture to Samsung SDI.
Synergy Cells was established in 2024 to build an electric vehicle battery plant in New Carlisle, Ind., with a total planned investment of $3.5 billion.
The plant, which is under construction, is designed to have annual production capacity of 27 gigawatt-hours.
Once the stake acquisition is completed, the facility will become Samsung SDI’s first independently owned battery manufacturing plant in North America.
The company had originally planned the site as a joint manufacturing operation with GM.
Samsung SDI said converting the plant into a wholly owned operation will allow it to respond more flexibly to changes in the North American battery market.
The company plans to manufacture the next-generation prismatic batteries being developed with GM as well as battery products for other applications.
Samsung SDI also plans to install production lines for batteries used in energy storage systems.
The move is intended to address growing North American demand for energy storage as the company expands beyond electric vehicle batteries.
Samsung SDI has signed a series of large energy-storage battery supply agreements with major U.S. energy companies since last year, expanding its customer base in the market.
“The decision reflects changes in the market while allowing us to continue our strategic partnership with GM,” a Samsung SDI official said.
The official said the company plans to continue working with GM on future electric vehicles at the plant while also responding aggressively to U.S. energy-storage demand.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.
Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260811010003669
