LG Energy Solution is preparing to produce 46100 cells for Mercedes. Plant in Poland, model unknown

According to South Korean portal The Elec, LG Energy Solution will be ready to supply 46100 cells starting in 2028, which have a diameter of 4.6 centimeters and a height of 10 centimeters. The company has previously boasted about its ability to apply electrodes dry in 46xx cells, but the 46100 format was not mentioned. Mercedes has also not revealed any interest in using cylindrical cells so far, although the significant range advantage of the BMW iX3 over the Mercedes GLC Electric must have prompted the manufacturer to reconsider.

46100 cells in a new model. Could this refer to the Mercedes S-Class Electric?

Format 46xx refers to a size invented by Tesla, which determined that a diameter of 46 millimeters represents the optimal balance between capacity, production costs, and cooling efficiency. However, it turned out that such large cells are not easy to manufacture at all; Tesla struggled with them for several years, even being warned by cell suppliers (CATL, Panasonic, LG Energy Solution, Eve Energy). They all quickly began experimenting with different lengths of electrode rolls (smaller/larger diameter), but most importantly, with various cell heights (standard/larger height).

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution now appears ready to produce not only 4680 cells (if Tesla were to request them…) but also 46100 cells. These cells are set to be used in “the next generation of Mercedes vehicles.” The production line is expected to be built near Wrocław by 2027 and become operational by 2028. The company is reportedly also considering setting up a separate line for assembling cells into modules and even modules into batteries, suggesting that the agreement is quite comprehensive, as each cell format requires different automation for integrating them into complete systems.

46100 cells developed by Indian company Ola (c) Ola

Prior reports indicate that LG Energy Solution has refined the 46xx technology and was ready to supply cells of types 4680, 4695, and 46120 (the latter being 4.6 cm in diameter and 12 cm in height, suggesting BMW as a potential customer). The collaboration with Tesla for the 4680 cell did not succeed; the 4695 variant is going to Rivian vehicles, while the 46120 version is also currently “for no one.” The 46100 is a new version, and if reports from The Elec are accurate that Mercedes will be its customer, the automaker could achieve higher battery capacities (meaning better range) with the same number of cells as in BMW’s competing models.

LG Energy Solution’s 46xx Cells

Choosing a single height (10 cm) is also interesting: BMW uses lower cells in smaller models (BMW iX3, iX4, i3) and higher ones in larger vehicles (BMW iX5). Mercedes has aimed for the middle ground, seemingly wanting to start with top-tier limousines and smaller crossovers. Even the mention of a “next generation” is significant, as it suggests models that have so far remained unchanged, such as Mercedes EQS -> S-Class Electric, Mercedes EQE -> E-Class Electric, Mercedes EQE SUV – GLE Electric, and finally Mercedes EQS SUV -> GLS Electric, including the Maybachs as well.

After its setbacks with Chinese suppliers, Mercedes now has contracts with several companies that produce lithium-ion cells, including Samsung SDI (South Korea), SK On (South Korea), CATL (China), Farasis (China), and LG En Sol (South Korea). A new model using LG En Sol cells is expected to hit the market in 2028.

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