BMW Group is to grow its partnership with battery cell supplier Samsung SDI in the near future, said to recognise the increased demand for hybrid and electric vehicles in the market.The MoU extends a partnership which began in 2009, with Samsung SDI supplying lithium-ion cells for the battery packs BMW builds in-house at its plant in Dingolfing. As well as pre-production test vehicles, the 5,400 BMW i3s sold globally this year all feature its cells, as does the i8, which is already outstripping its planned launch volumes.

BMW said the company had been chosen not only for its expertise in lithium-ion cells, but also because it had an environmentally-conscious production process which extended to end-of-life units. Samsung SDI will continue to supply cells for the i3 and i8, as well as all future hybrid and electric models released by BMW Group.

Dr. Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for purchasing and supplier network, said: ‘In Samsung SDI, we have chosen a supplier that offers us the best-available technology with future-oriented Korean battery expertise.’

Sang-Jin Park, CEO of Samsung SDI, added: ‘This MoU with the BMW Group demonstrates the trust in Samsung SDI’s future technology and efficient mass production capabilities. Both companies are confident that this extended partnership will secure their leadership in future technologies.’