Image: Samsung SDIMercedes-Benz plans to use the battery cells in its future compact and mid-sized battery-electric SUVs, as well as coupé models, as announced by Samsung SDI. However, the company has not disclosed any details regarding the scope of the supply agreement. It has only confirmed that this is a multi-year arrangement.According to insiders, Samsung’s battery cells are set to be used in Mercedes-Benz’s MMA platform (Mercedes Modular Architecture) from 2028 onwards, rumours of which emerged last week. While the platform has not been explicitly confirmed, models such as the GLB and the upcoming GLA with EQ technology would cover the compact and mid-sized SUV segments. Since the CLA is also based on the MMA platform, a coupé variant could be included—Mercedes has long referred to the CLA saloon as a four-door coupé.The contract signing (on the Mercedes side, for example, by CTO Jörg Burzer) was attended by Mercedes-CEO Ola Källenius and Mathias Vaitl, Head of Mercedes-Benz Korea, who travelled to Seoul for the event. Representing Samsung SDI were CEO Joo Sun Choi and Han Jae Cho, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Sales. In addition to the supply agreement, the two companies also agreed to jointly develop ‘next-generation battery technology.’During the ceremony at a Seoul hotel, it was confirmed that the cells will be high-nickel NMC battery cells, which offer ‘extended driving range, long lifespan, and high power.’ However, no details were provided regarding the specific applications of these battery cells. It remains unclear whether Samsung’s cells will be used in a new battery variant not yet offered by Mercedes or if their properties are so similar to the current CATL cells that Mercedes can flexibly deploy cells from both suppliers.The CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC models use prismatic NMC cells from CATL, which collectively provide a usable energy content of 85 kWh—these batteries are also used in the CLA Shooting Brake and GLB. The CLA 200, however, relies on LFP cells with 58 kWh of energy content. Mercedes has since introduced the CLA 250 (without the Plus designation), which offers a net energy content of 71 kWh.“This partnership brings together the innovative DNA of both companies,” said a SAMSUNG SDI official, adding, “It is meaningful in that Samsung SDI has secured a battery order aimed at strengthening its position in the global EV market.”samsungsdi.com
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