Samsung SDI to supply EV batteries to Mercedes-Benz

Apr 21, 2026, 08:45 am

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(From left) Choi Joo-sun, CEO and President of Samsung SDI, and Jörg Burzer, Chief Technology Officer of Mercedes-Benz. / Samsung SDI

Samsung SDI has secured its first-ever contract to supply electric vehicle (EV) batteries to Mercedes-Benz, strengthening its presence in the global EV market despite a slowdown in demand.

The deal is seen as a result of the global leadership of Lee Jae-yong, who has actively engaged in top-level negotiations. He met with Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius in Seoul last November and continued discussions with executives during a European business trip in March, pursuing a “top-down sales” strategy. Cooperation with Harman, Samsung’s automotive electronics affiliate, was also reportedly discussed.

Samsung SDI announced on April 20 that it signed a multi-year agreement with Mercedes-Benz at Andaz Seoul Gangnam to supply next-generation EV batteries. The signing ceremony was attended by Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun and Executive Vice President Cho Han-je, along with Ola Källenius, Jörg Burzer, and Matthias Vaitl.

Under the agreement, Samsung SDI will provide high-performance batteries for Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation electric vehicles. The batteries are based on high-nickel NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) materials, offering higher energy density to maximize driving range while ensuring long lifespan and high output performance. They will be used in Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation compact electric SUVs and coupe models.

The contract is particularly significant for Samsung SDI as it expands its European automaker client portfolio. With Mercedes-Benz joining BMW and Volkswagen, the company now supplies batteries to all of Germany’s “Big Three” automakers. This is expected to improve utilization rates and profitability at its Hungary plant.

Mercedes-Benz, which is diversifying its battery supply chain as part of its transition to electric vehicles, selected Samsung SDI as a key partner. The two companies plan to expand their collaboration beyond battery supply to include joint development of next-generation battery technologies and broader future mobility initiatives.

A Samsung SDI official said, “This partnership represents a meaningful combination of the innovative DNA of both companies, and we have secured a key contract to lead the global EV market.”

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