Stellantis is exploring options to exit its U.S. battery joint venture with Samsung SDI as the automaker reassesses its electric-vehicle strategy. According to Bloomberg News, people familiar with the matter said Stellantis has held preliminary discussions about divesting its stake in the StarPlus Energy joint venture, though no final decision has been made. Exiting the venture could involve a lengthy process and significant costs, and the company may consider selling its share to a third party.
This development follows Stellantis’ announcement last week of more than $26.5 billion in asset writedowns tied to its electric-drive and software programs. The impairment charge led to a decline in the automaker’s share price and underscored the financial pressures traditional vehicle manufacturers face when shifting toward cleaner driving technologies.
Stellantis and Samsung SDI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In a statement to Bloomberg News, Stellantis said it is “continuing collaborative discussions with Samsung on the future of our StarPlus Energy joint venture.” The company did not provide details on potential buyers or a timeline for any transaction.
StarPlus Energy was formed in 2019 to develop and produce battery cells for electric vehicles in the United States. The venture aimed to secure a stable supply of battery components amid rising demand for electric mobility. However, evolving market conditions, cost pressures and the company’s broader review of its EV investments have prompted Stellantis to reconsider its commitment to the partnership.
Industry experts note that divestitures in the battery sector can be complex, often requiring regulatory approvals, renegotiated supply agreements and negotiations over plant ownership. For Stellantis, a successful exit could free up capital to invest in other areas of its EV roadmap, including powertrain innovation, charging infrastructure and software development.
As automakers worldwide navigate the economics of electrification, Stellantis’ potential withdrawal from StarPlus Energy may reflect a wider trend of strategic realignment in the electric-vehicle supply chain. How Samsung SDI will proceed if Stellantis exits remains unclear, but the South Korean battery supplier has been expanding its global production footprint.
