The upcoming Mercedes-Benz EV might be powered by Samsung’s battery technology. Samsung SDI has finalized a multi-year agreement to supply batteries to Mercedes-Benz, marking the South Korean firm’s inaugural EV battery partnership with the premium automotive brand.
Details on the EV Battery Partnership
Samsung SDI has indicated that the batteries will feature high-nickel NCM chemistry and will be integrated into Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation electric vehicles. As reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily, Mercedes intends to incorporate Samsung SDI’s cells into forthcoming compact and mid-size electric SUVs and coupe models.
Although the announcement currently lacks specific details, it remains a significant development.
Mercedes-BenzSignificance of the Supplier Change for Mercedes
The key takeaway is that this represents Samsung SDI’s first battery contract with Mercedes-Benz. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Mercedes previously depended on LG Energy Solution and SK On for EV batteries, while Samsung SDI’s automotive battery partnership had primarily been with BMW.
Thus, this marks a strategic expansion of Mercedes’ battery supply chain as automakers seek to balance range, performance, cost, and long-term supply security. Samsung SDI states its cells are engineered to provide extended driving range, improved durability, high output performance, and integrated safety features.
Mercedes-BenzThe report highlights that Mercedes-Benz chairman Ola Källenius met with Samsung Electronics executive chairman Lee Jae-yong during a visit to Korea last year, and that Mercedes already collaborates with Samsung in other areas including in-vehicle displays and Samsung Wallet digital key support.
Therefore, the German automaker is not relying on a single supplier for its EV future. This development coincides with Mercedes-Benz’s push into EVs with improved range and charging technology, making this deal a logical progression.