Reportedly Samsung SDI will finalise the next generation cylindrical battery design coming year. Now it has confirmed the specifications of next-generation cylindrical batteries, which are based on a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 80 mm (4680) respectively, the company is now focusing on developing a product of 95 mm and 120 mm height while retaining the same diameter i.e. 46mm. The 46mm battery is also referred to as a “Tesla Mark” battery.
Other SDI rivals in the line
As shared by us in our earlier article also on this. The South Korean giant expected to enter into mass production as early as possible. Many manufacturers including Panasonic and LG New Energy have been starting research and development and they align the production for the same. This going to be a three-wave battle between three giants namely Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solutions and Panasonic. However, the performance, stability and price will be used as a strategic weapon. While the competition for Tesla seems to set to intensify.
As per Samsung SDI, the company is all set to enter into mass production of 46-pie standard cylindrical batteries next year. And on the basis of the recent interview done, Choi Hoon, the head of Samsung SDI’s Chinese corporation. Where they hinted at the mass production of 46 pies next year. This interview is conducted with Chinese media including Chai Xin and Groom Guagi respectively. Notably, the “(Pi 46) is in the R&D phase and expectedly the design will be finalized in 2023.”
Also, the specification of this battery was also mentioned for the first time. It reveals that high-nickel anode material with a nickel content of more than 90% and silicon cathode materials are applied. Whereas the energy density is 520 watt-hour litres (Wh/L) on a module basis. It is 78% of the fifth generation (Gen5) angular battery cells.
In addition to this, presently Samsung SDI is building a 46-pie pilot line in Cheonan. It is at a level of 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) while the production rate of 20PPM per minute. Although, they try to make batteries at low frequency and if everything goes well then the same going to enter into mass production investments.
Standard cylindrical battery 2170 mass production
Also, mass production is administrated by the Seremban plant in Malaysia. To be noted, the investment in the 2170-standard cylindrical battery (21 mm in diameter and 70 mm in height) was made in 2021. Whereas the mass production aim is 200-300PPM. In terms of GWh, it is approx about 8-12 GWh. And that’s enough to build more than 230,000 high-performance electric vehicles with a range of 400 km.
Noticeably, the Samsung SDI held the groundbreaking ceremony of its battery 2 plants in Seremban in Malaysia last July. The amount to be invested is 1.7 trillion in phases until the final completion of the project by 2025. Also, the investment in the Cheonan Pilot Line was also included.
Concurrently, the global circular battery market is also expanding parallelly. From traditional power tools and micro-mobility to electric vehicles and energy storage (ESS) respectively. It is predicted to grow from 101.7 million cells this year to 151.1 million cells in 2027 respectively, with a market growth rate CAGR of 8%.
