What did Samsung SDI and GM agree to do for future electric vehicles?

They agreed to jointly develop next-generation prismatic battery cells for potential use in future EVs. The batteries are intended to combine high energy density with fast-charging capabilities.

Why did Samsung SDI buy GM’s stake in the Indiana joint venture?

Samsung SDI said the ownership change reflects market shifts since the venture was announced, including slower-than-expected EV demand. The two companies decided to pursue other forms of cooperation instead of continuing the business as a joint venture.

What will Samsung SDI produce at the Indiana battery plant before EV batteries for GM?

Samsung SDI plans to use the facility first to make batteries for energy storage systems in the U.S. The company said the plant is currently under construction and could later produce the prismatic cells co-developed with GM.

Samsung SDI, GM to jointly develop next-generation EV batteries

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Summary

Samsung SDI said Tuesday it signed an agreement with General Motors to jointly develop next-generation prismatic battery cells for future electric vehicles. The companies will also continue their EV partnership while Samsung SDI acquires GM’s stake in their U.S. joint venture, SynergyCells, in Indiana. Samsung SDI said the move reflects slower-than-expected EV demand and will give it its first independently operated North American battery production base.

Key Facts

Samsung SDI acquired GM’s 49.99 percent stake in SynergyCells, the joint venture the two companies established in Indiana.
The companies said the prismatic batteries are being designed for high energy density and fast-charging capabilities.
Samsung SDI said the plant under construction will initially produce batteries for energy storage systems in the United States.
Samsung SDI plans to later use the facility to produce the jointly developed prismatic battery cells with GM.
A Samsung SDI official said the acquisition is intended to continue the strategic partnership with GM while responding to the rapidly growing U.S. ESS market.

By Lee Gyu-lee

Published Aug 11, 2026 3:50 pm KST

Samsung SDI said Tuesday it has signed an agreement with General Motors (GM) to jointly develop next-generation prismatic battery cells for potential use in future electric vehicles (EV).

Under the agreement, the two companies will codevelop prismatic batteries designed to offer high energy density and fast-charging capabilities, extending their partnership in EV development.

As part of the deal, Samsung SDI also acquired GM’s 49.99 percent stake in SynergyCells, a joint venture the two companies established in the U.S. state of Indiana.

The ownership change reflects shifts in the battery market since the joint venture was announced, including slower-than-expected growth in EV demand. The two companies have decided to pursue other forms of cooperation rather than continue operating the business as a joint venture.

With the acquisition, Samsung SDI will secure its first independently operated battery production base in North America. The company plans to use the facility to produce advanced batteries for various applications.

The battery plant is currently under construction. Once completed, Samsung SDI plans to initially use the facility to produce batteries for energy storage systems, responding to rapidly growing demand in the United States. The plant could later also produce prismatic battery cells jointly developed with GM.

“While reflecting recent market changes, this acquisition decision is aimed at continuing our strategic partnership with GM,” a Samsung SDI official said.

“We will remain committed to an electrified future with our partner while utilizing the plant to proactively respond to the rapidly growing ESS market in the U.S.”

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