Samsung SDI to Expand Supply of Electric Vehicle Batteries to BMW Group

Samsung SDI signed an MOU with the BMW Group to expand the supply of electric vehicle battery cells at the BMW Driving Center in Yeongjong-do, Incheon on July 14.

Samsung SDI and the BMW Group agreed to increase the supply of battery cells following the increasing demand of electric vehicles, and to enhance cooperation for joint development of future material-related technology and global business opportunities, through this MOU.

Samsung SDI will supply BMW Group battery cells for the BMW i3, BMW i8, and other new hybrid models for the next few years.

The BMW Group has been sourcing lithium batteries for the i3 and i8 since 2009, when its partnership with SDI started. The BMW Group continues to maintain cooperation with Samsung SDI, emphasizing electrification strategies with the successful launching of BMW i as a sub-brand. In fact, the BMW i3 has been very popular worldwide since its first release, and the BMW i8 has higher demand than planned production as well.

Park Sang-jin, CEO of Samsung SDI, said, “The BMW i3 and i8 are successful cases of cooperation. The following BMW models will also be equipped with the advanced lithium battery technology of Samsung SDI. This proves the future technology and mass production capabilities of Samsung SDI. An expansion of a partnership through this MOU will be great foundations for both companies to dominate future electric vehicle technology.”

Klaus Draeger, president of the BMW Group Purchasing Division, said, “Partnership with Samsung SDI is a very successful Korea-Germany cooperation on innovative technology. Batteries are the essential component of electric vehicles, as they fundamentally determine the driving distances and qualities of automobiles. This is why we chose Samsung SDI as a supplier, as Samsung SDI could provide the best practical technology based on their specialty in batteries.”

On the other hand, Yoon Sang-jik, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy attending the MOU ceremony on that day, said, “Great synergy will be created out of the partnership between Samsung SDI, the best battery producer representing Korea, and the BMW Group, the premium automobile company in Germany. Joint growth of medium and small-sized companies is also expected. The Korean government will make the best efforts to support this partnership so that this could be the opportunity for companies in Korea and Germany to enhance cooperation in other industries as well.”