Samsung SDI and BMW Accelerate Solid-State Battery Commercialization by 2027, Boost ESS Business to Cut Losses

Samsung SDI and the BMW Group have launched a joint pilot project for all-solid-state batteries, targeting commercialization by 2027. Affected by global policy shifts and declining EV sales from its U.S. customers, the company reported revenue of KRW 13.27 trillion and an operating loss of KRW 1.72 trillion for 2025. To address these challenges, Samsung SDI is strengthening its Energy Storage System (ESS) business, becoming the only Korean manufacturer to develop prismatic ESS solutions independent of Chinese supply chains, and has introduced multiple products based on both NCA and LFP chemistries. The company continues to expand its localized ESS battery production capacity in the U.S. and has secured large-scale overseas orders exceeding 150 GWh by 2026, covering both EV and ESS batteries. Additionally, Samsung SDI supplies high-power cylindrical batteries to global power tool customers and is entering the AI data center infrastructure market. Despite pressures on its battery segment, the company’s ESS, small battery, and semiconductor-related businesses are expected to support an overall improvement in its operations.