January 5, 2026: Korean battery maker Samsung SDI is partnering with national automaker KG Mobility (KGM) to develop and commercialize next-generation EV battery pack technologies.

The companies said on December 23 they had signed a memorandum of understanding focused on Samsung’s 46-series cylindrical battery cells and expanding collaboration on advanced technologies.

Samsung said its 46-series already features high capacity high-nickel NCA cathodes and its proprietary silicon carbon nanocomposite anodes, which the firm claims, reduce swelling while extending battery lifespan.

The technology also incorporates a tabless design that reduces internal resistance and optimizes current flow, enhancing high-power output and fast-charging performance, together with enhanced thermal management.

Joint R&D into advanced technologies aims to manufacture products targeting the domestic and international EV markets, the partners said.

The partnership comes against a backdrop of increased state support for the country’s faltering battery sector, with an initial cash infusion worth close to $15 billion unveiled early in 2025, in response to a global slump in EV sales.

Separately, in December, Korean battery peer SK On said it was ending its joint venture with Ford Motor for battery factories in the US.

SK, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, said it was “reorganizing” the structure of BlueOval SK, the 50:50 joint venture, but would continue “strategic cooperation” with Ford.

Meanwhile, Samsung is set to push ahead with mass production of all solid-state batteries (ASBs) in 2027, under plans outlined in 2024. President and CEO Yoon-ho Choi made the commitment to expand the firm’s products portfolio at the annual general meeting of shareholders in Seoul.

A pilot line for ASBs was set up at Samsung’s Korea R&D center in December 2023.