Samsung SDI to finalize spec of 46 diameter battery next year 

Samsung SDI is planning to finalize the specification of its battery that will have a diameter of 46mm, the company’s China head said.

Tesla s planning to use 4680 batteries, batteries with a diameter of 46mm and length of 80mm, for its electric vehicles.

Samsung SDI has been developing batteries in that specification alongside potential other ones with lengths of 90mm and 120mm instead.

Samsung SDI’s general manager of China Choi Hoon told Chinese media that 46mm diameter batteries were in the research stages and the design will be finalized next year.

This is a similar timeline to rivals LG Energy Solution and Panasonic which are expected to complete the development of their 4680 batteries in 2023.

Choi said they will use high-nickel cathode with over 90% nickel and silicon anode. The module will have an energy density of 520Wh/L, the manager said, which will be 78% of that of Samsung SDI’s Gen 5 prismatic batteries.

Samsung SDI is currently building a pilot line to manufacture 46 diameter batteries at its Cheonan plant with a capacity of 1GWh.

The commercial line will likely be built at its plant in Seremban, Malaysia, where the South Korean battery maker is building its second factory.