South Korean car manufacturer KGM, formerly known as SsangYong until 2023, is prioritising battery technology through a strategic collaboration with its compatriot Samsung SDI. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop battery pack technologies using Samsung SDI’s NCA cylindrical cells, which have a diameter of 46 millimetres. KGM and Samsung SDI have also announced that they are already developing next-generation battery packs, which will be integrated into KGM’s upcoming battery-electric vehicles.
Samsung SDI’s battery cells feature high-nickel NCA cathodes and a proprietary silicon-carbon nanocomposite (SCN) anode. They are produced using a “tabless” design, which eliminates the tab found in earlier 18650 and 2170 cells on the wound cell materials. Production of the new 46-millimetre cylindrical cells was announced by Samsung SDI in spring 2025.
“This partnership once again proved the differentiated technological competitiveness of our 46-series cylindrical batteries in both Korean and global EV markets,” the manufacturer commented. “We will continue to strengthen our technology leadership in the next-generation global battery industry.”
samsungsdi.com
