South Korean battery and electronic material manufacturer Samsung SDI has started production of 46-series cylindrical batteries with a diameter of 46 mm.

The modules will be initially supplied to an American customer for use in micro-mobility applications. Samsung SDI unveiled its 46-series lineup, consisting of four sizes—4680, 4695, 46100 and 46120—earlier this month. It plans to start mass production within the first quarter of this year.

The company said it recently made the first shipment of 4695 battery modules at its Vietnam subsidiary, more than a year earlier than planned. Measuring 46 mm in diameter and 95 mm in height, 4695 batteries are produced at Samsung SDI’s plant in Cheonan, South Korea and assembled into modules at the Vietnam subsidiary.

Samsung SDI’s 46-series batteries feature a nickel, cobalt and aluminum (NCA) cathode with high nickel content and a silicon-carbon nanocomposite anode. This chemistry increases the energy density and lifespan of cylindrical batteries, while preventing them from swelling, according to the company.

The batteries deliver around six times more energy capacity than predecessor 21700 batteries—which have a diameter of 21 mm and a height of 79 mm—enabling customers to use fewer cells to achieve the same capacity.

Samsung SDI has adopted a tabless design for the 46-series, which connects the electrodes to the current collector directly without the need for traditional tabs. This has improved the current flow path and reduced internal resistance by 90%.

The company is currently in talks to supply the battery to EV manufacturers.

“The initial supply of 46-series batteries has diversified the company’s product portfolio,” a Samsung SDI official said. “The company will continue efforts to take the lead in the 46-series market with differentiated manufacturing technology and quality.”

Source: Samsung SDI