Samsung mass produces new generation electric vehicle batteries

An electric vehicle charging station in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Anh Nguyen/VNA reporter in South Korea

Thus, Samsung SDI became the first Korean battery manufacturer to start mass production of 46Φ batteries (46Φ: 46 mm in diameter), also known as “next-generation cylindrical batteries”, one year earlier than originally planned. This is considered a strategy to accelerate the leading position in the 46Φ battery market, which could be a turning point that changes the landscape of the electric vehicle market in the future.

According to a VNA reporter in Seoul, the 4695 battery was produced at the main line at the Samsung SDI Cheonan factory, then provided in initial quantities to customers in the US for use in small, light vehicles (micro mobility).

An electric vehicle charging station in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Anh Nguyen/VNA reporter in South Korea

Thus, Samsung SDI became the first Korean battery manufacturer to start mass production of 46Φ batteries (46Φ: 46 mm in diameter), also known as “next-generation cylindrical batteries”, one year earlier than originally planned. This is considered a strategy to accelerate the leading position in the 46Φ battery market, which could be a turning point that changes the landscape of the electric vehicle market in the future.

According to a VNA reporter in Seoul, the 4695 battery was produced at the main line at the Samsung SDI Cheonan factory, then provided in initial quantities to customers in the US for use in small, light vehicles (micro mobility).

Samsung SDI's 46mm-diameter battery uses high-capacity, high-nickel NCA (nickel, cobalt, aluminum) cathode materials and proprietary SCN (silicon carbon composite) cathode materials. Samsung SDI says this reduces battery swelling while increasing energy density, extending life, and ensuring safety.

In addition, Samsung SDI also applied “Tabless” technology, which expands the current path by dividing the electrode tip into multiple tabs (tips), reducing the internal resistance by about 90% and increasing the output. The 46mm battery has an energy capacity about 6 times higher than the current 2170 cylindrical battery (21mm in diameter, 70mm in height). This means that the power required by the application can be achieved even when using only a smaller number of cells.

Earlier this month, Samsung SDI unveiled a diverse lineup of 46 products, including the 4695, 4680, 46100, and 46120 batteries, at “InterBattery 2025” held at the COEX exhibition center in Korea and announced plans to begin mass production in the first quarter of 2025.

Samsung SDI is also actively discussing projects related to 46-cell batteries with major EV customers and hopes to achieve tangible results in the EV sector in the future, starting with this supply.

According to market research firm SNE Research, the non-46 battery market is expected to grow an average of 33% annually, from 155 GWh (gigawatt-hours) this year to 650 GWh in 2030. A Samsung SDI official said that with the mass production and initial supply of this non-46 battery, Samsung SDI's product portfolio has been further diversified. The company also wants to secure its market leadership through differentiated competitiveness and manufacturing quality.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/o-to-xe-may/samsung-san-xuat-hang-loat-pin-xe-dien-the-he-moi-20250401065634711.htm