SB LiMotive to supply lithium-ion battery cells for BMW’s Megacity Vehicle project

 The Samsung-Bosch joint venture SB LiMotive will supply lithium ion battery cells to BMW for use in BMW’s first electric car, which is part of its “Megacity Vehicle” project. The zero emission vehicles will go into series production in the first half of the next decade.

“The battery is a key component in any electric vehicle, since it determines its range and performance,” said BMW AG board chairman Norbert Reithofer. “In SB LiMotive, we have found a supplier that offers us the best available technology, and that combines German automotive competence with Korean battery knowhow.”

SB LiMotive president Young Woo Park said that between now and 2013 his firm will invest $500 million in the development and manufacturing of lithium-ion cells and battery systems for hybrid and electric cars. Executive vice president Joachim Fetzer said “We aim to quickly establish ourselves as a leading cell and battery system supplier in all markets worldwide. Out of 100 million newly produced vehicles in 2020, we expect to see some three million electric cars and plug-in hybrids as well as six million hybrid vehicles.”

Samsung SDI brings extensive large-scale series production experience into the partnership, as well as manufacturing competence in lithium-ion cell production. The company produces lithium-ion batteries for use in laptops, cell phones, and power tools. Bosch contributes systems competence for integrating lithium-ion technology in automobiles.

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