BMW adds Samsung SDI in Europe and LG Energy Solution in the US as Gen6 battery cell suppliers
By Eve
BMW is widening its global battery supply network by naming Samsung SDI for Europe and LG Energy Solution for the United States as suppliers of cells for its sixth-generation (Gen6) high-voltage batteries. Supply will come from the manufacturers' existing regional production facilities from the late 2020s, in line with BMW's "local for local" sourcing approach. In Europe, BMW will source cells from CATL, EVE Energy and Samsung SDI, with the aim of reducing dependence on any single supplier.
Why it matters
A multi-supplier, regionally sourced battery base for BMW's next vehicle generation points to steadier EV volumes in Europe and the US from the late 2020s, which supports long-term charging demand planning. Cell choice also influences charging performance, so CPOs and procurement teams may want to track how Gen6 vehicles shape future power level requirements.
Source
- Original title
- “BMW Expands Battery Supply Network With Samsung SDI in Europe and LG Energy Solution in the US”
- Published
- 9 November 2026
- Updated
- 10 November 2026
- Also covered by
- electrive.com
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Places
- United States · Europe
- Tags
- BMW · Samsung SDI · LG Energy Solution
Related news
BMW to expand use of cheaper LFP batteries in selected Neue Klasse EVs
Speaking on BMW's third quarter earnings call, CEO Milan Nedeljkovic confirmed the company will add lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to Neue Klasse vehicles, while keeping cylindrical nickel manganese cobalt cells in most cars for their range. He said BMW will be "very specific in which vehicle and for which purpose", named no models and gave no launch date outside China, where the iX3 30L already uses a 77 kilowatt hour LFP pack. The compact Neue Klasse EV due in 2028 is a likely but unconfirmed candidate, and lower battery costs were not promised to cut sticker prices, as reported in the publication's coverage.
Why it matters
A cheaper, lower range BMW option could widen the customer base for premium EVs and shift charging demand towards buyers who use public networks more often on longer trips. Procurement teams should note that timing, models and pricing remain unconfirmed, so fleet and site planning should not yet rely on it.
BMW Group says Neue Klasse ramp up will retire some earlier electric generations sooner, without naming models
In a press release dated 4 November 2026, BMW Group announced an acceleration of its portfolio realignment, saying the ramp up of Neue Klasse should allow certain earlier generations, including models based on Gen5, to leave the catalogue more quickly. The release names no models and gives no end of sales dates by version. The direction was already signalled in a global release of 3 November 2026 at 19:44 on updated financial year 2026 forecasts, with the French version of the realignment release published on 4 November at 08:48, as reported by a French language outlet.
Why it matters
Charging network planners and fleet buyers cannot yet tell which BMW electric models will have shortened lifecycles, so any assumptions about future vehicle mix on Gen5 based models stay unconfirmed. It is worth watching for model level announcements before locking in long term demand forecasts or fleet orders.
LG Energy Solution opens Battery Innovation Contest 2026 to universities and research institutions worldwide
LG Energy Solution has launched the Battery Innovation Contest 2026, inviting universities and research institutions around the world to submit innovative battery research proposals. The submission window runs from October 29 to December 6. The contest aims to connect research ideas with industry needs, according to the announcement.
Why it matters
Battery research that reaches commercial partners can shape future cell performance and cost, which feeds through to storage and charging hardware over time. For procurement and CPO teams this is a longer term signal of where a major cell maker is looking for new technology, not an immediate change to product availability.