Recently, foreign media reported that Samsung SDI is advancing discussions to supply prismatic batteries for Mercedes-Benz's next-generation electric vehicles, with both parties currently in the final negotiation stage for the 2028 EV project. If an agreement is ultimately signed, this will mark the first time Samsung SDI batteries are used in Mercedes-Benz EVs, with industry estimates suggesting the order value could exceed 10 trillion KRW.
According to sources, the two sides have largely aligned on the project's direction, with two main cooperation models under discussion. First, establishing a joint venture (JV) in Europe and building a large-scale production base. Second, designating a dedicated production line within existing capacity for Mercedes-Benz. Industry insiders point out that supplying through imports would make cost control difficult, making "localized European production" a key issue. Potential locations for a new JV plant include Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Should the JV progress encounter difficulties, the dedicated production line model-similar to LG Energy Solution's approach of configuring production lines at its Lansing, Michigan plant to meet Toyota's EV demand-has also been mentioned.
Regarding supply scale, while specific volumes have not been disclosed, industry expectations suggest it could reach tens of GWh. Considering that battery contracts under EV platform cycles typically involve long-term cooperation of 7 to 10 years or more, and the unit price of EV batteries (exceeding 100 billion KRW per GWh), the order size is estimated to exceed 10 trillion KRW. According to the plan, these batteries are expected to be used in Mercedes-Benz's MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform EV lineup. The MMA platform adopts prismatic batteries, with related models having already been launched starting with the CLA EV, and it is reportedly planned to introduce an A-class EV based on MMA in 2028.
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Edited by Cassie Li, lixiangying@mysteel.com
