Mercedes inks battery deal with Samsung SDI, deepens cooperation with LG Energy

Home > Business > Industry

Mercedes inks battery deal with Samsung SDI, deepens cooperation with LG Energy

Published: 20 Apr. 2026, 15:00 Updated: 20 Apr. 2026, 16:38

SARAH CHEA
[email protected]

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

Executives from Mercedes-Benz and Samsung SDI, including Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius, far right, and Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun, second from left, take a photo after signing a battery supply deal in southern Seoul on April 20. [MERCEDES-BENZ KOREA]

Samsung SDI will supply EV batteries to Mercedes-Benz, the Korean battery maker said Monday.

It comes six months after Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius's meeting with Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong during a visit to Korea in November of last year.

Extending beyond its partnership with BMW since 2009, Samsung SDI has now secured its first contract with Mercedes, which had previously relied exclusively on batteries from LG Energy Solution and SK On.

Under the deal, Samsung SDI’s high-nickel nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries will be mounted in Mercedes' next-generation electric SUVs and coupes.

Samsung SDI's prismatic battery cells [YONHAP]

Specific terms, including battery specifications and contract size, remain undisclosed.

"The batteries will deliver extended driving range, enhanced longevity and high output performance, alongside proprietary safety solutions developed in-house,” said a spokesperson for Samsung SDI.

Mercedes-Benz is set to unveil its all-new electric C-Class in Korea on Monday evening, marking the brand’s first-ever global premiere in Korea since its entry into the market.

The latest agreement is expected to deepen collaboration between the two companies and potentially extend into display technologies.

Samsung Display and Mercedes-Benz have previously partnered on in-vehicle displays, including rear-seat tablet systems in the S-Class and infotainment monitors in select models. Samsung has also provided its Samsung Wallet digital key, enabling drivers to unlock and start vehicles without a physical key.

On Monday, Källenius also met with LG Energy Solution executives to reaffirm its partnership with Mercedes.

LG Energy in October was selected as the supplier of lithium iron phosphate batteries to the automaker, which will likely be installed in entry-level EVs like the upcoming CLA. Delivery will start in 2028.

“Mercedes-Benz is proud to strengthen collaboration in core technology areas with Korean partners who possess world-class technological competitiveness,” Jörg Burzer, Mercedes-Benz’s chief technology officer, said. "By deepening our ties, Mercedes-Benz is accelerating innovation in electrification, digitalization and the future of mobility.”

BY SARAH CHEA [[email protected]]