Samsung SDI is building a trial line for Tesla's 4680 batteries

According to foreign media reports, Samsung SDI is building a new pilot production line for the production of Tesla-specific 4680 batteries.This will be the third manufacturer trying to secure a contract to supply Tesla with 4680 cells in bulk.

Image credit: Samsung SDI

According to Korean media TheElec, Samsung SDI is preparing a new battery production line at its Cheonan plant in South Korea to test 4680 batteries supplied to Tesla.The 4680 battery is a cylindrical battery with a diameter of 46 mm and a length of 80 mm, and sources said that Samsung SDI plans to test the technology within the year.Separately, the company is also said to be planning to produce a similar but slightly shorter battery for BMW to test.

Samsung SDI plans to keep the capacity of the new pilot line below 1 GWh, but if it succeeds and Tesla makes it clear that it will buy all of its batteries, Samsung SDI will ramp upproductionsignificantly .

Tesla is making 4680 cells in-house, but the automaker has little experience producing cells and has had problems ramping up production.The company plans to rely on its own production and supply from established battery makers to ensure growth in production of new 4680 cells to support upcoming new vehicle projects such as the Cybertruck.

Panasonic is considered the most mature in supplying Tesla with 4680 cells, which are expected to be in mass production next year.LGNew Energyalso recently invested $450 million in the production of Tesla's 4680 cells.

The timing of mass production of the 4680 cells by Samsung SDI is uncertain, but TheElec reports thatproduction of the new cells may begin at a plant in Seremban, Malaysia, with an annualcapacity ofIt is reported that Samsung SDI has ordered production equipment similar to Tesla's from Hanwha and Koem.