 |
Photo = Samsung SDI |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Samsung SDI has begun major expansion and retrofit work at its Hungarian plant to supply prismatic batteries for Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe. Following a successful 1.65 trillion KRW (approx. $1.2 billion) rights offering, Samsung SDI plans to ramp up production capacity to capture the recovering EV market in Europe and overcome the temporary demand lull known as the “chasm.”
The company announced that it will invest about 323.6 billion KRW of the newly raised capital in upgrading its Hungarian facility. The plant, a key European hub built with over 2 trillion KRW in investments, currently produces two types of prismatic batteries using winding and stacking methods.
Samsung SDI aims to convert the first factory fully to stacking-type prismatic battery production—favored for its higher energy density—and expand capacity at the second factory. The Hungarian plant currently produces about 40 GWh annually, enough for roughly 600,000 compact EVs.
By focusing on Europe, where EV sales are rebounding faster, Samsung SDI targets early market share gains in the prismatic battery segment used in Hyundai-Kia EVs.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
