Samsung SDI will supply batteries to Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles for the first time. Samsung SDI said on April 20 it has signed a multi-year contract with Mercedes-Benz to supply batteries for next-generation electric vehicles.

Attending the signing were Choi Joo-sun (최주선), president and CEO of Samsung SDI, and Cho Han-je (조한제), head of the Global Sales Team at the Strategic Marketing Office and a vice president. Also present were Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius, Chief Technology Officer Joerg Burzer, and Mercedes-Benz Korea CEO Matthias Weitl, among others.

The batteries Samsung SDI will supply will use high-nickel NCM (nickel, cobalt and manganese) materials. The high energy density can increase driving range, and the batteries have long-life and high-output performance. Samsung SDI’s proprietary safety solution will also be included.

Mercedes-Benz plans to install the batteries in small and mid-sized electric sport utility vehicle models and coupe models it will launch in the future. It envisions using them as a key component to target the next-generation EV market.

The two companies agreed to expand strategic cooperation in future mobility, including early development of next-generation batteries, rather than limiting cooperation to the supply contract. Samsung SDI plans to use the order as a foothold to broaden its battery supply base in the premium automaker market.

A Samsung SDI official said, "This partnership is a combination of the innovative DNA held by the two companies," adding, "It is highly meaningful in that we have secured battery orders to lead the global EV market."