[Lithium Battery: CATL And Longzhou Shares Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement]

On August 11, Samsung SDI announced the signing of a new agreement with General Motors to jointly develop next-generation prismatic batteries for electric vehicles. These batteries are expected to be produced at the former joint venture Synergy Cells. Concurrently, Samsung SDI announced it has acquired General Motors' entire 49.99% stake in Synergy Cells, achieving full ownership of the company and thereby securing its first independent battery production plant in North America. Synergy Cells' plant under construction in Indiana, US, with a planned annual capacity of 27GWh and an investment of up to $3.5 billion, was originally positioned as an automotive battery production base. Influenced by market conditions, the plant will subsequently adjust its production direction, prioritizing energy storage battery products.

Hyundai Motor has launched the Calligraphy Black Ink, the top trim of its electric SUV IONIQ 9, in the U.K. and European markets. The powertrain is the same as the existing Calligraphy trim. The model is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a 110 kWh battery, delivering a combined output of 422 hp. Its driving range is up to 372 miles, or about 600 km, on a single charge based on the WLTP standard. The model is offered in both six-seat and seven-seat configurations.