Samsung SDI is looking to penetrate the global electric vehicle market by making the size and energy density of its cylindrical batteries bigger and higher. The industry believes that Samsung SDI is making this move in order to respond to Tesla’s development of its own batteries.
According to the industry, Samsung SDI is currently working on a new cylindrical battery that has a longer diameter than that of a 21700 battery that is 21mm in diameter and 70mm in height.
The company’s plan is to increase energy density and secure competitive edge with a new cylindrical battery that has a longer diameter.
It plans to supply this new battery for electric vehicles and electric scooters.
Height of a cylindrical battery is normally between 70 and 80mm because a different height will have to change the entire structure of an electric vehicle platform. As a result, Samsung SDI is looking to increase energy density by increasing diameter instead of height.
“We plan to increase energy density and capacity of our current batteries by making their diameter longer.” said Director Yoon Tae-il of Samsung SDI.

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The new diameter of the company’s new cylindrical battery is not disclosed. However, the industry predicts that the company is working on a battery that has a similar dimension to Tesla’s 46800 battery that is 46mm in diameter and 80mm in height.
Tesla plans to complete the development of 46800 battery by 2022. Its goal is to reduce manufacturing cost of batteries by increasing battery size add energy capacity.
Samsung SDI is preparing to use stacking method to increase energy capacity. This method stacks battery cells on top of each other in order to create single battery. This method provides better energy density and durability compared to the current winding process.
Samsung SDI plans to continue to increase energy density of its products by applying its technology in battery materials.
“Cathode materials and anode materials determine the performance of a battery.” said Director Yoon. “We are going to continue to increase nickel content of cathode materials and focus on developing materials with competitive price.”
The company also plans to increase battery density by applying a mixture based on silicon carbon.
Meanwhile, LG Chem is also pushing for development of 46800 battery. It plans to secure more orders by developing such battery according to the battery development carried out by its biggest customer Tesla.
Staff Reporter Kim, Jiwoong | jw0316@etnews.com