GM exits Samsung SDI battery cell joint venture SynergyCells

It was in April 2023 that GM and Samsung SDI first announced a joint battery cell plant in New Carlisle. The partners planned to invest $3.5 billion to develop an initial production capacity of 27 GWh, later expanding to 36 GWh, on a 275-hectare site. The project was expected to create over 1,600 jobs, with production initially scheduled to begin in 2026 before being postponed to 2027.

In other words, the battery cell plant operated by their joint venture, SynergyCells – which will soon be fully owned by Samsung SDI – is not yet operational. Upon completion, Samsung SDI plans to initially use the facility to produce batteries for energy storage systems in order to respond quickly to the rapidly growing US battery storage market.

“While reflecting recent market changes, this acquisition decision is to continue the strategic partnership with GM,” a Samsung SDI spokesperson stated. “We will continue our commitment to an electrified future with the partner, while utilizing the plant to proactively respond to the fast-growing ESS market in the U.S.”

According to a press release from Samsung SDI, the plant could also produce prismatic cells for EVs developed jointly with GM in future. However, this remains unconfirmed. For now, both companies intend to jointly develop prismatic batteries with high energy density and fast-charging capabilities, though regular production is not yet finalised.

General Motors has not yet issued a statement regarding its withdrawal from the joint venture. However, this move aligns with the company’s previous decisions: for example, GM announced in December 2024 its exit from another unfinished cell plant in Lansing, Michigan, in collaboration with LGES. In January 2026, General Motors then announced a $6 billion write-down in its EV business. This followed a $1.6 billion write-down in October during the previous year, primarily due to a dampened demand outlook for EVs after the expiry of the US tax credit of $7,500 on 30 September 2025 for vehicle purchases.

GM is not the only company struggling with the slow ramp-up of electromobility in the USA; its rivals Ford and Stellantis are also affected. In April, Ford announced plans to restructure its loss-making EV division, Model e. Previously, in December 2025, Ford had dissolved its joint venture, BlueOval SK, with South Korean battery manufacturer SK On and divided ownership rights to three plants in Kentucky and Tennessee with SK On.

samsungsdi.com