Samsung SDI to supply Li-ion battery cells and modules to AKASOL

AKASOL has significantly expanded its relationship with leading battery manufacturer Samsung SDI, nominating the Korean company as supplier of lithium-ion battery cells and modules for two large serial orders for leading global commercial vehicle manufacturers.

The two companies signed an agreement to this effect at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. Under the agreement, Samsung SDI will supply lithium-ion battery cells and modules with a total volume of 13 GWh to the German battery system manufacturer from 2020 through 2027.

By entering this agreement, AKASOL has secured the availability of leading battery cell technology as it prepares for dynamic growth in the coming years. AKASOL has been working with the South Korean high-tech company for several years and its lithium-ion battery cells and modules are currently used in AKASOL's first-generation high-performance battery systems. The company is now expanding its relationship with Samsung SDI significantly in connection with additional serial projects, such as the recently announced relationship with a leading global commercial vehicle manufacturer for supply of its third-generation high-performance battery systems.

For this project, AKASOL will be using the supplier's lithium-ion battery technologies, which are particularly suitable for demanding use in commercial vehicle projects. The battery cells and modules will be produced in Europe and Asia, after which they will be built into the German manufacturer's various battery modules and systems at its existing serial production site in Langen, Germany, as well as at AKASOL's new headquarters in Darmstadt, also Germany.

“The extension of our partnership with Samsung SDI, a leading global high-tech company for lithium-ion battery cells, is an important milestone for securing our dynamic growth as a leading manufacturer of high-performance battery systems for commercial vehicles. In addition to Samsung's status as a technology leader, our decision to expand the relationship was determined by the competitive strength of their products and by an innovative technology road map for the coming years, which is consistent with our goal of technology independence in the production of high-performance battery systems,” explained Sven Schulz, CEO of AKASOL AG.

Schulz went on to state that the close relationship with its South Korean partner would allow AKASOL to secure the lasting and long-term availability of battery cells for the ambitious growth plans of its customers, including numerous leading global manufacturers.

Samsung SDI Executive Vice President Jeongwook (JW) Kim stated as follows: “We are very proud to be among the strategically vital suppliers for AKASOL's battery systems and we see this nomination as a challenge to continue to decisively shape our German partner's future innovations and developments with our extensive know-how in battery technology.”