Samsung SDI has found buyers for its next-generation 46-phi cylindrical batteries, though the South Korean battery maker is keeping customer names under wraps for now, President Choi Joo-sun said Wednesday at InterBattery 2025 in Seoul.
The company has already provided samples to customers and plans to begin mass production soon, marking a strategic advancement as it weathers what Choi described as a “demand chasm” expected to continue through the first half of 2026.
“We believe recovery will gradually begin from the second quarter, with the first quarter being the lowest point,” Choi said at South Korea’s largest battery exhibition.
The new cylindrical batteries, measuring 46mm in diameter, feature significantly higher energy density and output compared to existing models. This innovation comes at a critical time for Samsung SDI, which has seen its Hungarian plant operating “at a significantly lower rate” due to weak demand.
The company is also taking a conservative view of demand for its standalone North American facility this year compared to 2024, though Choi emphasized the importance of mid- to long-term growth strategies.
Samsung SDI announced plans last March to expand joint ventures and establish its own plant in the United States. The battery maker is simultaneously strengthening its collaboration with Hyundai Motor in electric vehicle technology and robotics.
At InterBattery 2025, Samsung SDI showcased robot-specific battery technology developed alongside Hyundai Motor and Kia, highlighting its diversification beyond traditional battery applications.
