New Battery Strategy for South Korea
Porsche is making a strategic shift in its EV battery supply—at least for South Korea. Starting with the 2026 model year, the Macan Electric sold in the country will feature Samsung SDI batteries instead of those from Chinese supplier CATL.
The switch applies only to vehicles sold in South Korea. Globally, CATL cells remain part of Porsche’s supply chain.
Why Samsung SDI?
While Porsche hasn’t publicly confirmed the reasoning, the decision appears to reflect regional preferences and regulatory dynamics. South Korea is home to some of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, including Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, and SK On.
The move could boost consumer confidence and aligns with a broader trend of automakers adapting their supply chains to match local expectations and policy environments.
What Happens to the Macan’s Performance?
Until now, the Macan Electric has used a 100 kWh (95 kWh net) battery pack with NMC811 prismatic cells from CATL. With an 800-volt system, the vehicle charges from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes and delivers a range of up to 641 km on WLTP.
It’s unclear if the switch to Samsung SDI will change performance specs, but expectations are high for equal or improved efficiency and charge times.
Local Market, Local Cells
With this shift, Porsche shows how global EV strategies are evolving to fit regional demands. For South Korea, that now means Macan EVs powered by homegrown battery tech.
What This Means for Porsche’s EV Future
This move signals more than just a regional battery switch—it highlights Porsche’s flexible, market-responsive EV strategy. As the brand expands its electric lineup with models like the Cayenne E4, it’s also taking more control of the battery development and production process.
In South Korea and beyond, Porsche is clearly positioning itself to stay agile, competitive, and locally aligned in a rapidly evolving global EV landscape.
