In what appears to be significant strategic pivot, Samsung SDI will begin supplying prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for energy storage systems under a fresh US contract worth more than 2 trillion won (~$1.35 billion). The move will see the company shift US EV battery production lines to ESS output ahead of 2027. Michigan-based Samsung SDI America will begin manufacturing battery energy storage system (BESS) cells at the company’s Indiana facility, where the manufacturer has been shifting some its production lines from cell production for EVs to prismatic LFP cell production for BESS units – a move the company claims will allow it to more closely align with domestic market demands. “It is a significant opportunity for Samsung SDI to expand into the US ESS market with the first long-term contract for LFP supply,” said a Samsung official. “Through the first supply of SBB 2.0 for ESS installation in the US, Samsung SDI will start providing US customers with ESS batteries to meet their needs not only for high-performance but also for enhanced safety …