Recent reports from Korean outlet THE ELEC suggest LG Energy Solution is preparing to supply a new 46100 cylindrical cell to Mercedes-Benz. LG has not officially confirmed the customer name or volume, so this article is based on publicly reported information only.
What "46100" Actually Means
The number describes cell size: 46 mm diameter and 100 mm height. It is 20 mm taller than Tesla's 4680 and 5 mm taller than LG's 4695 used for Rivian.
For car makers, the 46 mm diameter stays the same across models. The height changes the cell capacity, pack thickness, and how the battery fits into the vehicle floor.
LG Energy Solution's European Plan
Reports say LG will build the 46100 line at its Wrocław plant in Poland, with equipment first adjusted at its Ochang plant in Korea. The Wrocław project matches the EU "46inEU" program: planned capacity around 11.5–12 GWh per year, targeted start in Q3 2028, with about €90.8 million EU Innovation Fund support.
The chemistry direction is reported as NCMA cathode and silicon-based anode, aimed at higher energy density and faster charging.
Mercedes-Benz Purchasing Background
Since October 2024, LG and Mercedes-Benz have signed several supply agreements:
- Oct 2024: 50.5 GWh
- Sep 2025: 32 GWh for Europe + 75 GWh for US
- Dec 2025: around 2.06 trillion KRW, supply period 2028–2035
Disclosed volume totals 157.5 GWh. Korean media links some of these contracts to 46-series cylinders, but LG has not confirmed which cell format belongs to which contract.
Why Automakers Are Moving to 46-Series
- 4680 – Tesla in-house, Cybertruck and other models
- 4695 – BMW Neue Klasse, Rivian R2
- 46120 – BMW larger SUVs
- 46100 – reported Mercedes-Benz custom size
Same diameter means shared winding, welding and inspection logic. Different height changes cell capacity, thermal behavior, and module or pack design.
What This Means for Storage Buyers
Automotive cells and stationary storage cells are different markets. 46-series cylinders target EV platforms where energy density and charge speed matter. Most fixed storage projects still rely on Lifepo4 Battery, while high-rate cases may use NMC Prismatic Battery or Cylindrical Battery.
