Heads of Samsung, BMW discuss cooperation on EV batteries

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong discussed with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse ways to strengthen cooperation on electric vehicle batteries.

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, center, speaks with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, far right, at BMW’s driving center in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on Saturday. [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong discussed with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse ways to strengthen cooperation on electric vehicle batteries.

In a meeting held at BMW’s driving center in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on Saturday, the two chiefs agreed on expanding the supply of Samsung SDI’s batteries for BMW cars, including the P5 battery being installed in the all-electric i7 sedans.

Samsung SDI is an EV battery maker 19.58 percent owned by Samsung Electronics.

The German carmaker also held a ceremony marking the delivery of 10 BMW i7 cars which will be used as corporate vehicles at Samsung companies, according to a statement released by Samsung Electronics.

The two companies’ partnership on EV battery cooperation dates back to 2009. Since then, Samsung SDI has provided batteries for BMW's i3 plug-in hybrid and i8 plug-in hybrid Roadster.

More recent models equipped with SDI batteries include the iX all-electric SUV, and i4 pure electric Gran Coupe models.

“Samsung is one of the most important partners for electrification,” Zipse said in the statement.

“The fact that Samsung executives chose the BMW i7 is very symbolic,” he said.

Lee expressed expectations for future partnership.

“I’m delighted to work with BMW,” Lee said, “Let’s solidify the partnership between the companies.”

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]