On January 10, 2025, LG Energy Solution announced an exclusive partnership to supply cylindrical batteries to Aptera Motors Corp., a leading company in the solar electric vehicle (EV) industry. The agreement was formalized through a three-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between LG Energy Solution, Aptera, and CTNS, a manufacturer of battery modules and packs, during CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
Under the MoU, LG Energy Solution will supply 4.4 GWh of 2170 cylindrical battery cells exclusively to Aptera from 2025 to 2031. These batteries will support the production ramp-up of Aptera’s solar EV, scheduled to launch in the U.S. market in 2025. CTNS will utilize LG Energy Solution’s cells to produce high-quality modules and packs, optimized for Aptera’s proprietary battery pack design. Aptera will integrate these components into its solar EVs, aiming to achieve new levels of efficiency and performance in the industry.
Aptera’s solar EV is designed to minimize air resistance, enhancing energy efficiency and resulting in a driving range of 643 kilometers (400 miles) on a single charge. The vehicle features integrated solar panels capable of providing up to 64 kilometers (40 miles) of power per day and over 16,093 kilometers (10,000 miles) annually. Constructed with recyclable materials, including a lightweight carbon fiber structure, the vehicle utilizes a no-welding assembly process to maximize cost-effectiveness and production efficiency.
The inclusion of LG Energy Solution’s cylindrical batteries offers superior performance and safety features. The batteries employ high-quality nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) cathodes enhanced with aluminum and use the company’s proprietary Safety Reinforced Separator (SRS®) with a ceramic coating to ensure safety. These advancements reinforce LG Energy Solution’s position as a leading supplier of cylindrical batteries for EVs.
LG Energy Solution has consistently advanced cylindrical battery technology, and by 2026, the company plans to expand its product competitiveness and supply capabilities through mass production of 46-series batteries at its plant in Queen Creek, Arizona. This collaboration reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering high-performance, safe, and customer-focused solutions in the cylindrical battery sector.
Company representatives expressed optimism about the partnership. Glen Choi, Head of the Marketing Department at LG Energy Solution, emphasized the company’s dedication to enabling innovation that shapes the future of mobility. “This partnership with Aptera is a testament to our mission to empower every possibility, supporting the realization of solar-powered transportation while delivering advanced battery technology,” he said.
Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera Motors, remarked on the significance of the collaboration. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in bringing our solar electric vehicles to market with the reliability and performance our customers expect,” he stated. “LG Energy Solution and CTNS bring unparalleled expertise, and we’re excited to work together to power the future of sustainable transportation.”
Ki-Jeong Kwon, Chief Executive Officer of CTNS, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement. “We are thrilled to partner with Aptera and LG Energy Solution as we push the boundaries of innovation in the electric vehicle industry,” he commented. “This strategic collaboration will not only strengthen Aptera’s production capabilities but also marks a pivotal milestone in CTNS’s journey to become a leading manufacturer of advanced batteries in the United States.”
Source: LG Energy Solution
