SK Innovation announced that it has been selected as Lithium ion battery cell supplier for electric vehicle projects for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
Battery cells to be supplied by SK Innovation will be formed into battery packs and equipped in future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. With battery cells supplied by SK Innovation, Mercedes-Benz is planning to expand its clean-energy electric vehicle line-up in full-scale. While not discussing its plans in detail, SKI battery cells are to be equipped in multiple electric vehicle models in diverse segments.
By supplying battery cells for the core new-energy vehicle line-up of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars with top-tier automotive technology, SK Innovation has once again proven globally its technology and manufacturing capability for electric vehicle batteries.
After doubling capacity in Seosan, Korea, SK Innovation is meeting increased orders with production running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SK Innovation is expecting to expand its manufacturing volume through additional projects with current customers and new business opportunities, in addition to the new orders from Daimler.
SK Innovation projects the global electric vehicle market will reach 6 Million by year 2020, due to strengthening environmental regulations in Europe, China and US. Specifically, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles are expected to outgrow hybrid electric vehicles.
Hongdae Kim, Head of Battery & I/E Materials with SK Innovation, said, “SK Innovation is planning to strengthen its position in the global battery market with differentiated performance and technology, while reinforcing relationship with the current customers such as Daimler, to prepare for strong growth of the electric vehicle market. Winning a major project with Mercedes-Benz, SK Innovation has become a top-tier supplier, in lead of the global electric vehicle battery market, for best-in-class automotive customers in Korea, China and Europe.”
