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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] LG Energy Solution announced on June 16 that it has signed a contract to supply 8GWh worth of 46-series cylindrical batteries to China’s Chery Automobile—marking the first large-scale battery deal between a Korean battery maker and a Chinese automaker.
The 46-series battery, which measures 46mm in diameter and 80–120mm in height, offers over five times the energy capacity and output compared to conventional cylindrical cells. Under the agreement, LG Energy Solution will supply enough batteries to power approximately 120,000 EVs over six years, starting in early 2026.
The batteries will be delivered to Chery's European manufacturing facility for use in its flagship EV models. The two companies are also in discussions to expand supply to additional Chery EVs.
LG Energy Solution highlighted the high energy density and cold-weather performance of its nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries as key factors in winning the contract, in contrast to Chinese automakers’ traditional preference for lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
This deal follows LG’s previous 67GWh supply agreement with U.S. EV startup Rivian in November 2023.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)