Freudenberg, LG Energy ink supply agreement on battery cell modules
Freudenberg e-Power Systems and LG Energy Solution have recently signed a multi-year contract for the supply of lithium-ion battery cell modules. With its experience and expertise in battery and fuel cell technology, Freudenberg is offering tailor-made solutions, especially combined systems, for carbon-neutral e-mobility.
With a total capacity of 19 GWh, the company claims to be expanding its capacities to meet rising demand from its customers for commercial vehicle applications in North America and Europe.
The latest supply contract marks an important milestone for both companies in the further expansion of sustainable electric drives in the demanding field of commercial vehicles, adds Freudenberg. Its e-Power Systems Business Group is one of the market leaders for emission-neutral energy systems in this sector, which places particularly high demands on the robustness and durability of batteries.
The partnership covers the supply of lithium-ion battery cell modules, whose properties make them particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicles, according to the company. For CVs, the battery has to withstand a much higher energy throughput, which can be up to 11 times that of a passenger car.
The battery cell modules supplied by LGES are integrated by Freudenberg e-Power Systems in their battery packs, offering their customers in the truck and bus sector fully engineered drive solutions including intelligent battery management systems, cooling, telematics, and all other relevant elements.
The company has said that the cell modules will be assembled at its XALT gigafactory in Midland, Michigan, USA. With the recent acquisition of XALT by Freudenberg e-Power Systems, the company is investing a further double-digit million sum in the expansion of its battery business and its capacities.
"The partnership with LG Energy Solution enhances our leading battery offering for the bus and truck market," explained Dr. Max Kley, CEO of Freudenberg e-Power Systems. "Together we are able to offer our customers an unparalleled range of solutions specifically tailored to the demanding requirements of this market."
Jeff Michalski, Managing Director Battery Business, added, "Especially in view of the strong increase in demand worldwide, this is a major plus in the market. We can thus offer both our existing and new customers the highest quality and secured supply."
Based on the partnership with Freudenberg, LG Energy Solutions now intends to drive its commercial vehicle battery business in North America and Europe.
"Our partnership with FEPS will serve as a launch pad to lead in the commercial vehicle battery market which has the potential for exponential growth," said Dong-Myung Kim, President of Advanced Automotive Battery Division at LG Energy Solution. "Together with Freudenberg, we will endeavor to create unparalleled customer value through differentiated capabilities accumulated across the entire battery-related field, such as battery cells, modules, packs, and BMS."
With well over 40 million miles driven, Freudenberg claims that its battery systems are among the leading solutions on the market. The long-term contract with LGES underscores the strategic importance and growth potential that Freudenberg sees in its e-mobility solutions.
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The company further claims that its competence and innovative strength in both battery and fuel cell technologies distinguish Freudenberg e-Power Systems as a pioneer of electromobility in the heavy-duty sector.
