根據《路透社》11月3日的報導，南韓電池製造巨頭三星SDI已與特斯拉達成一項重大合作協議，預計未來三年內將向特斯拉供應總額超過3兆韓元（約21.1億美元）的儲能系統（ESS）電池。此舉意味著兩家公司在新能源與儲能領域的合作進入新階段。消息人士指出，目前談判已進入最後階段，雙方有望在未來數週內正式簽署協議。不過，三星SDI方面仍保持謹慎，對外表示「尚未做出任何最終決定」，而特斯拉則尚未對此發表評論。

這並非特斯拉首次與韓國電池企業達成儲能合作。今年7月，特斯拉剛與LG能源解決方案（LG Energy Solution, LGES）簽訂一份價值43億美元的磷酸鐵鋰（LFP）儲能電池採購協議，目的在於確保美國本土快速增長的儲能電池需求，並進一步降低對中國供應鏈的依賴。隨著全球能源轉型加速推進，儲能業務已逐漸成為特斯拉僅次於汽車業務的第二大增長引擎。

根據特斯拉最新財報顯示，今年第三季度其儲能系統裝機容量達到12.5 GWh，創下單季歷史新高，同比增長超過80%，環比增長亦超過30%。更引人注目的是，儲能業務對整體利潤的貢獻已超過五分之一，其毛利率達31.42%，遠高於汽車業務的17.05%。這顯示出儲能產品已成為特斯拉盈利結構中的關鍵支撐。

另一方面，三星SDI近期在動力電池領域的表現不甚理想。由於全球電動車市場需求增速放緩，加上價格競爭激烈，公司今年第三季度的虧損擴大至4.13億美元。為了對抗動力電池業務疲軟帶來的壓力，三星SDI已明確宣布將加快儲能領域的布局與投資步伐。

目前，三星SDI已推出多款新型儲能產品，包括採用NCA化學體系的方形電池系統「NCA SBB 1.7」以及磷酸鐵鋰系統「LFP SBB 2.0」。公司計畫在2026年底前，將全球儲能電池年產能提升至42 GWh，其中美國本土產能預計可達30 GWh。這項戰略被視為三星SDI試圖轉型、重塑盈利結構的重要一步，也將使其在與特斯拉等企業的長期合作中占據更有利的地位。

整體而言，這筆潛在合作不僅反映出特斯拉持續擴大儲能業務版圖的決心，也象徵著韓國電池產業在全球能源轉型中的關鍵角色。未來，隨著協議正式簽訂與產能布局的推進，特斯拉與三星SDI的合作有望為全球儲能市場帶來新一輪的競爭與創新動能。

According to a Reuters report on November 3, South Korean battery manufacturer Samsung SDI has reached an agreement with Tesla to supply energy storage system (ESS) batteries worth over 3 trillion won (approximately $2.11 billion USD) over the next three years. Industry insiders revealed that negotiations are already in their final stages, and the official signing of the contract is expected within the coming weeks. However, Samsung SDI stated that no final decision has been made, while Tesla has not yet commented on the deal.

This new partnership follows a similar move earlier in July, when Tesla signed a $4.3 billion LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery supply agreement with another Korean company, LG Energy Solution (LGES). The deal was part of Tesla’s effort to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain while meeting the rapidly growing demand for energy storage products in the U.S. domestic market.

Tesla’s energy storage business has quickly become the company’s second growth engine after its electric vehicle division. In the third quarter of 2024, Tesla’s energy storage deployments reached a record 12.5 GWh, representing over 80% year-on-year growth and more than 30% quarter-on-quarter growth. The segment now contributes more than one-fifth of Tesla’s total profits, with a gross margin of 31.42%, significantly higher than the 17.05% margin of its automotive business.

Meanwhile, Samsung SDI has been struggling with a slump in its EV battery division, reporting a third-quarter loss of $413 million USD this year. Facing pressure from weakening demand and fierce price competition, the company has made it clear that it plans to accelerate its expansion in the energy storage sector to offset the decline in EV battery performance.

Samsung SDI has already introduced several new energy storage products, including the NCA-based square cell system “NCA SBB 1.7” and the LFP-based system “LFP SBB 2.0.” The company aims to achieve a global ESS production capacity of 42 GWh by the end of 2026, with 30 GWh coming from its U.S. facilities. This strategy marks a significant step in Samsung SDI’s transformation and positions it more competitively for long-term partnerships with companies like Tesla.

Overall, this potential deal not only underscores Tesla’s determination to expand its energy storage footprint, but also highlights the critical role of South Korea’s battery industry in the global clean energy transition. If finalized, the agreement could bring a new wave of competition and innovation to the fast-growing global ESS market.