LG Energy Solution will supply electric-vehicle batteries to BMW for the first time. The batteries for BMW will be 46-series cylindrical cells, and the supply contract is reportedly worth in the 10 trillion won range. Until now, LG Energy Solution had supplied batteries only for BMW's mild hybrid vehicles (MHEV), but with this contract, it will supply batteries for BMW's pure electric vehicles for the first time.
On the 30th, according to the battery industry, LG Energy Solution is said to be on the verge of signing a 46-series supply contract with BMW. The supply period is 10 years, and the contract amount is estimated to exceed 10 trillion won.
The 46 series is a battery with a diameter of 46 mm. Compared with the existing 2170 (diameter 21 mm, length 70 mm) battery, it is a high-performance battery with more than five times the energy capacity and output per size. With excellent energy density and space efficiency, it can simplify battery pack structures, reducing the number of cells while improving energy efficiency.
Previously, LG Energy Solution signed 46-series supply contracts with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian and Chery Automobile Co.
At its earnings conference call that day, LG Energy Solution said, "Recently, major global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have shown strong interest in the 46 series, which can enhance price competitiveness for electric vehicles compared with existing cylindrical products and is easier to address in terms of thermal management and safety."
At the end of last year, LG Energy Solution began mass production of 46-series products at the Ochang energy plant and is supplying them to customers. From the end of this year, mass production of the 46 series will begin at the Arizona plant in the United States. LG Energy Solution is also reviewing ways to secure a cylindrical battery line at its Poland plant.
However, a LG Energy Solution official, regarding the BMW battery supply contract, said, "We cannot confirm matters related to customers."