South Korea’s LG Energy Solution has signed an agreement to supply Chery Auto with 8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of its next-generation 46-series cylindrical battery cells over six years, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2026, and the cells will be integrated into Chery’s flagship electric vehicle models. Industry observers estimate the contract—which represents the first cylindrical battery supply deal between a South Korean battery maker and a Chinese automaker—could exceed 1 trillion Korean won (about $734 million).
The 46-series cylindrical batteries are designed to deliver more than five times the capacity and power of existing cylindrical formats, while streamlining production efficiency. LG Energy Solution’s Chief Executive Officer, Kim Dong-myung, described the agreement as “a pivotal step in scaling up global adoption of our new 46-series batteries and securing dominant market leadership.” Chery and LG Energy Solution have also outlined plans to expand their collaboration to additional models across Chery’s vehicle lineup.
Chery, one of China’s largest automakers and a leading exporter, reported exporting 100,737 vehicles in May—its second month this year surpassing 100,000 units. The company is on track to reach a cumulative total of 5 million vehicle exports later this month, which would make it the first Chinese automaker to achieve that milestone. At the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025, Chery showcased the Luxeed S7 sedan, developed in partnership with Huawei, as a demonstration of its expanding EV portfolio.
LG Energy Solution ranks among the world’s top three producers of EV batteries. Data from South Korean market research firm SNE Research indicate the company recorded installation volumes of 31.4 GWh in January–April 2025, a 16.3 percent increase year-on-year, and held a 10.2 percent global market share—behind CATL’s 38.1 percent and BYD’s 17.3 percent.
Source: CnEVPost
