Samsung Takes over GM's Shares in the SynergyCells Joint Venture

Battery Development Samsung Takes over GM's Shares in the SynergyCells Joint Venture

2026-08-12 From Stefanie Eckardt | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Samsung SDI and General Motors are reshaping their partnership. The battery manufacturer is acquiring GM's entire stake in the SynergyCells joint venture. However, the companies aim to jointly develop a prismatic battery cell for electric vehicles.

GM exits the SynergyCells joint venture with Samsung SDI. However, both companies plan to jointly work on a prismatic battery cell.(Image: Samsung SDI) — GM exits the SynergyCells joint venture with Samsung SDI. However, both companies plan to jointly work on a prismatic battery cell.
(Image: Samsung SDI)

Samsung SDI has announced a new agreement with General Motors (GM). Together, they aim to develop a prismatic battery cell for future electric vehicle applications, characterized by high energy density and fast charging capability.

Partnership Continues

In addition, Samsung has acquired GM's 49.99 percent stake in the joint venture SynergyCells, which the partners had established in New Carlisle, Indiana. The two companies have decided to pursue other forms of collaboration instead of the joint venture. "While this decision reflects recent market changes, it primarily serves to continue the strategic partnership with GM," stated Samsung SDI. "We will continue our commitment to an electrified future together with our partner and utilize the facility to proactively respond to the rapidly growing ESS market in the U.S."

Market Ramp-Up of Electric Vehicles Slower than Expected

The ownership change took into account market changes since the joint venture was announced. One of the key reasons was that demand for electric vehicles progressed more slowly than expected.

With the acquisition of the joint venture shares, the South Koreans are establishing their first independently operated battery production facility in North America and plan to use the plant for manufacturing high-tech batteries for various applications.

The battery factory is currently under construction. Upon completion, the facility will initially be used to produce batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) to quickly respond to the rapidly growing ESS market in the U.S. In the future, the factory might also produce prismatic cells developed jointly with GM.

When charging an electric car, losses occur not only during power conversion. Vehicle electronics, cables, batteries, and thermal management also affect the overall energy balance. (Image:freely licensed)

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Date: 08.12.2025

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