Samsung SDI and General Motors have signed a new agreement to jointly develop next-generation prismatic battery cells intended for future electric vehicle applications. The collaboration will focus on cells offering high energy density and rapid charging capabilities, building on the companies’ existing partnership and shared commitment to advancing electrification.
In a related move, Samsung SDI has acquired GM’s 49.99% stake in SynergyCells, the joint venture plant under construction in New Carlisle, Indiana. This transaction makes the facility Samsung SDI’s first wholly owned battery production site in North America. The decision to assume full ownership reflects shifts in market conditions, including a slower-than-anticipated pace of EV adoption, and allows both companies to pursue alternative forms of collaboration outside the joint venture framework.
Once construction is complete, Samsung SDI plans to begin production of batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) to address growing demand in the U.S. ESS deployments have been expanding rapidly as utilities, commercial operators, and residential customers seek flexible, grid-supportive storage solutions. The New Carlisle plant’s initial focus on ESS products will position Samsung SDI to respond swiftly to these market trends, with the potential to integrate the jointly developed prismatic cells with GM at a later stage.
A Samsung SDI spokesperson commented that the acquisition preserves the strategic partnership with GM while enabling a proactive response to the fast-growing U.S. ESS market. The company affirmed its continued commitment to an electrified future and to ongoing cooperation with GM on battery technology development.
By combining full control of the Indiana facility with collaborative research efforts, Samsung SDI aims to enhance its manufacturing capabilities in North America and support broader electrification objectives across both vehicle and stationary storage applications.
Source: Samsung SDI News
