Samsung SDI in talks to supply ESS batteries to Tesla

Group 1 - Samsung SDI is in discussions to supply energy storage system (ESS) batteries to Tesla, with the potential contract valued at approximately Won3 trillion ($2.11 billion) or more [1] - This agreement aligns with Tesla's strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese components, as the company has increasingly sought South Korean suppliers for critical inputs like chips and batteries [1] - Samsung Electronics has previously signed a long-term contract worth $16.5 billion to deliver next-generation AutoPilot "AI6" chipsets to Tesla, indicating a growing partnership between the two companies [2] Group 2 - Samsung SDI reported a significant drop in demand from its joint venture partner Stellantis, prompting a shift in production from electric vehicle (EV) batteries to ESS products [3] - Tesla's recent earnings report showed a 37% year-on-year decline in attributable net income to $1.37 billion, despite achieving record revenue of $28.09 billion, which was a 12% increase year-on-year [4] - The increase in R&D expenses, which rose 56.9% from $1.03 billion in Q3 2024 to $1.63 billion in Q3 2025, has impacted Tesla's profitability [5]