What is the 46 Series that LG Energy Solution supplies to Mercedes-Benz? [AK Radio]

Attention as Next-Generation Cylindrical Battery Standard
Challenges in Applying New Methods Such as Dry Electrodes

LG Energy Solution is gaining attention in the global electric vehicle (EV) battery market by signing a large-scale contract to supply EV batteries to Germany's Mercedes-Benz. Under this agreement, LG Energy Solution will supply batteries totaling 50.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to Mercedes-Benz over a 10-year period from 2028 to 2038.

LG Energy Solution is known to supply Mercedes-Benz with the next-generation ‘46 series cylindrical battery.’ The 46 series battery is significantly larger than existing battery formats, enhancing both performance and cost-effectiveness, signaling a new shift in the global EV market.

The ‘46 series’ battery is a next-generation cylindrical battery format attracting attention in the EV battery industry, similar to Tesla’s ‘4680’ battery, which gained publicity by being applied to the Cybertruck. With a diameter of 46 mm, this battery can be produced in various heights such as 4695, 46110, and 46120, allowing automakers to adjust battery specifications to fit different vehicle models, which has drawn interest from automakers.

The 46 series battery appears to be establishing itself as an industry standard, starting with Tesla’s proposed ‘4680’ format. Compared to the existing 2170 battery, it is significantly larger in size and capacity, reducing the number of battery cells required per vehicle. For example, the Tesla Model Y requires 4,400 cells of the 2170 battery, but only 828 cells when replaced with the 4680 battery.

Reducing the number of battery cells lowers the number of components such as the battery management system (BMS), thereby cutting costs. The 4680 battery can increase energy density and output by five times and six times, respectively, compared to the 2170 battery.

However, the 46 series battery faces many challenges in the early stages of production due to its high technical demands and complex manufacturing processes. Major battery manufacturers like LG Energy Solution and Tesla are conducting various research and technological developments to reduce defect rates. The manufacturing method involves creating long electrode plates for the anode and cathode and rolling them into a cylindrical structure. Even small errors during the rolling of these long and complex electrode plates can lead to defects. Due to these manufacturing difficulties, the 46 series battery is currently focusing on solving technical challenges such as yield management in the early mass production phase.

Notably, the 46 series battery applies ‘dry electrode’ technology. Dry electrodes reduce environmental impact compared to traditional wet processes. Since organic solvents used in wet processes are not used in dry processes, the manufacturing is more environmentally friendly and efficient in terms of space and energy.

However, applying cathode and anode powders onto electrode plates is very challenging, making yield management a critical issue in the early commercialization stage. Due to these challenges, Tesla delayed the launch of the Cybertruck, and currently, some companies are applying dry electrodes only to the anode in a limited manner.

LG Energy Solution is currently producing 46 series batteries at its plant located in Ochang, Chungbuk, and is reportedly planning to supply these batteries to Tesla first. The Ochang plant serves as a ‘mother factory’ to secure initial productivity and quality, after which the technology and equipment will be transferred to the U.S. Arizona plant to establish a large-scale production system. With the large-scale supply contract with Mercedes-Benz, the Arizona plant is also expected to expand as a global supply hub for 46 series batteries in the future.

This contract is seen as a case where LG Energy Solution strengthens its technological position in the global EV battery market and leads the supply of the 46 series battery, which is likely to become an industry standard. Additionally, this contract is expected to accelerate similar battery development efforts by LG Energy Solution’s domestic competitors, Samsung SDI and SK On.

The adoption of the 46 series battery by premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz increases the likelihood that other automakers will also adopt this standard, which will serve as a catalyst for new market entry and technological advancement in the domestic battery industry.

The EV industry is particularly sensitive to policy and economic factors. The upcoming U.S. presidential election is expected to be a significant variable for the EV industry and battery market. If former President Donald Trump wins re-election, there is a possibility of changes to EV subsidy policies. Meanwhile, the European Union is currently considering imposing tariffs of up to 45.3% on Chinese-made EVs, which is expected to intensify competition in the global EV market.

In this context, the large-scale contract between LG Energy Solution and Mercedes-Benz suggests that the EV market will continue to grow steadily for the foreseeable future.

If the commercialization of the 46 series battery proceeds smoothly, it is expected not only to dramatically improve EV performance but also to contribute to cost reduction and environmental preservation through the introduction of eco-friendly production processes. Attention is focused on whether LG Energy Solution’s contract will establish a new milestone in the EV era.

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