LG Energy Solution to supply 46,100 round cells to Mercedes

According to a media report, LG Energy Solution will supply round cells with a diameter of 46 millimeters and a height of 100 millimeters - a novel format - for Mercedes-Benz's next-gen EVs. Deliveries are set to begin in 2028.

Image: LG Energy Solution

This is according to a report by the usually well-informed South Korean portal _The Elec_, which specifies that the 46100 round cells are a new cylindrical battery cell format in the 46-series that LG Energy Solution has not yet unveiled. According to the portal, the company is expected to begin setting up production lines next year and start delivering the batteries from 2028.

_The Elec_ cites industry insiders for this news and notes that there are plans to establish a first production line for 46100 battery cells at LG Energy Solution’s Polish plant in Wrocław – with Mercedes-Benz as the customer. Additionally, LGES is reportedly considering investments in module assembly, where the cells will be combined into modules. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.

For context: the 46-series battery cells, particularly the 4680 round cells (with a height of 80 mm), are primarily used by several automakers – most notably Tesla. Formats such as 4695 and 46120 (with heights of 95 mm and 120 mm, respectively) are also available but less common. However, LGES is one of the suppliers with a broad portfolio of 46-series cells. At the end of last year, the South Korean company began producing 4695 cells at its Ochang plant, and by the end of this year, earlier reports indicated that production of “diverse 46-Series cylindrical cells, ranging from 4680 to 46120 cells” would start at the US plant in Arizona. However, it was previously unknown that LGES was also preparing a version with a height of 100 millimetres.

_The Elec_ also reports that LG Energy Solution is preparing a facility for the new 46100 cell type in Ochang to adapt it to the specifications of the planned mass-production line in Poland. It comes as little surprise that Mercedes-Benz is set to become the main customer. Since October 2024, the two companies have already signed four long-term supply agreements. However, the partnership is not exclusive: in April, the Stuttgart-based automaker also signed its first long-term supply contract for electric vehicle batteries with Samsung SDI. Additionally, CATL is part of the supplier network. Previously, the company had also sourced battery cells from SK On and Farasis.