The larger format cells offer higher energy density and improved performance compared to previous designs, according to the company.
Dive Brief:
- Battery manufacturer Samsung SDI has started production of larger 46-series cylindrical batteries, which are viewed as the next generation of cell formats for electric vehicles and other mobility applications, the company announced in a March 31 press release.
- Samsung SDI says it’s the first battery maker in South Korea to supply 46-series batteries to an overseas customer, and plans to expand its customer base with the new format, according to the release.
- The production start is over a year earlier than planned, according to the company. Samsung SDI cites its technological advancements, manufacturing competitiveness and quality management for the reduced timeline.
Dive Insight:
The cylindrical cells are being manufactured at Samsung SDI’s battery plant in South Korea and assembled into modules at a subsidiary in Vietnam. The modules will be initially supplied to an unnamed U.S.-based customer for use in micromobility applications, according to the release.
The numerical formats of battery cells for EVs and other applications are derived from their physical dimensions. The 46-series batteries measure 46 millimeters in diameter and 95 mm in height.
The larger format 46-series batteries contain roughly six times the energy capacity than the 21700 batteries that preceded them, according to Samsung SDI. The additional energy density allows the use of fewer cells to achieve the same energy rating as battery packs with a higher number of 2170 cells, which are also used by Tesla for the Model 3 and Model Y.
Samsung SDI’s 46-series batteries feature high-nickel NCA (Nickel, Cobalt and Aluminum) cell chemistry and proprietary silicon carbon anodes to boost charging speeds, according to the release. The company also adopted a “tabless design” to reduce internal resistance by 90%, which increases current output.
“With the initial supply of 46-series batteries, the company has diversified its product portfolio,” an unnamed Samsung SDI official said in the release. “The company will continue efforts to take the lead in the 46-series market with differentiated manufacturing technology and quality.”
Last month, Samsung SDI unveiled its full 46-series battery lineup at InterBattery 2025, an industry trade show held in South Korea. The family of cells will be produced in four sizes — 4680, 4695, 46100 and 46120. Mass production will begin in the first quarter of this year.
Samsung SDI will also supply batteries to General Motors as part of its joint venture with the automaker. The JV is building a $3.5 billion EV battery manufacturing plant in New Carlisle, Indiana, which will employ around 1,600 workers. The factory is expected to begin cell production in 2027 for GM’s future EVs.
