German OEM Daimler has chosen LG Chem to supply the lithium-ion batteries for its new EV.
Korea’s advanced battery manufacturer will supply batteries to be installed into packs by Daimler for its Smart EV to be launched next year.
The car will be part of Daimler’s Smart brand of micro cars such as Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour.
The announcement comes after LG Chem was the only lithium-ion battery maker invited to participate in a ‘Supplier Day’ hosted by Daimler in Stuttgart.
Daimler halted production of its in-house battery cells last year and instead use LG Chem cells for its electric and hybrid vehicle batteries as well as stationary storage solutions.
The deal makes LG Chem, which supplies around 13 global automakers, one of the biggest automotive battery suppliers in the world. It also also supplies batteries to Volkswagen, Ford, Hyundai, Renault, Audi, Chevrolet, Kia, Daimler and GM.