Cutaway model of an MMA battery from Mercedes-BenzImage: Mercedes-BenzThese cells are expected to be used in Mercedes-Benz’s MMA platform (Mercedes Modular Architecture), according to the portal TheElec, which cites industry sources. “The overall direction of the project has largely been set,” the report states. To prepare for the potential deal, senior representatives from the Korean side – including Samsung SDI President Choi Joo-sun and Lee Jae-yong of Samsung Electronics – have reportedly been meeting regularly with the carmaker’s executives since last year.The ongoing negotiations are said to include discussions about establishing a European production site or a dedicated manufacturing line for Mercedes-Benz. A source familiar with the negotiations told TheElec that the talks are nearing conclusion, with the key focus on “building large-scale production capacity.” However, the insider did not disclose the specific procurement and production volumes under discussion. TheElec speculates, based on an industry insider, that the potential order “could involve tens of gigawatt-hours (GWh) of prismatic batteries” – a somewhat vague statement.The potential locations for a Samsung SDI plant in Europe, however, are more specific. According to the report, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic are among the countries being considered.Based on the MMA platform, Mercedes already offers the CLA—read our test drive review of the CLA 250+ here—as well as the CLA Shooting Brake and the electric-powered GLB. A smaller electric SUV, the new GLA, is also expected to follow. Initially, Mercedes had planned no more than these four models for its revamped entry-level segment, which will later be offered as hybrids alongside the battery-electric versions. However, in February this year, the carmaker confirmed that a new A-Class based on the MMA platform would follow. The MMA platform relies on prismatic cells arranged in four large modules. In the current models, the version with NMC cells offers a net energy content of 85 kWh, while the LFP variant provides 58 kWh.If the deal goes ahead, it would mark the first time Samsung SDI battery cells are used in Mercedes’ electric models. Currently, Mercedes primarily sources cells from the Chinese market leader CATL for its electric vehicles. However, the Stuttgart-based carmaker has also sourced cells from LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Farasis Energy – although the EQA 250+ and EQB 250+ models with Farasis cells are currently subject to a global recall. Mercedes-Benz had originally planned to source prismatic batteries from the Automotive Cells Company, its joint venture with Stellantis and TotalEnergies. However, production delays and rising costs have disrupted these plans. Samsung SDI may now step in as an alternative supplier.thelec.net
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