Ford EV Partner SK On Signs Battery Supply Agreement With Nissan

Ford and South Korean EV battery manufacturer SK On have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship in many ways, aside from simple operating as a customer and supplier. In fact, the joint-venture between the two companies – known as BlueOval SK – is preparing to begin production of EV batteries at the under-construction BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky very soon. However, SK On isn’t exclusively tied to Ford, as it has forged deals with a number of other automakers as well, and that list now includes Nissan.

SK On has announced that it has signed a battery supply agreement with Nissan, which will result in the company supplying the automaker with roughly 100 GWh of EV batteries between 2028-2033, all of which will be built in the U.S. The batteries utilize high-nickel pouch cells and will power Nissan’s next-generation EVs, which will be built at the company’s plant in Canton, Mississppi starting in 2028. Notably, this is the very first partnership between SK On and a Japanese automaker – joining other companies including Ford, Hyundai, and even Ferrari.

SK On currently operates two battery plants and is building four more with its partners in the U.S. When those are completed, its annual production capacity in that country is projected to be more than 180 GWh, once they are fully operational. “This agreement underscores the strength of our battery technology and our growing presence in the North American market,” said Seok-hee Lee, SK On President and CEO. “Leveraging our production footprint and expertise, we are committed to supporting Nissan’s electrification strategy and the broader transition to sustainable mobility.”

“This agreement with SK On is a significant milestone for Nissan’s electrification journey in North America and supports further investment in our U.S. production footprint,” said Christian Meunier, Chairman, Nissan Americas. “Through this smart partnership with SK On, we can leverage their growing U.S. production capacity to deliver innovative, high-quality electric vehicles that meet the needs of our customers.”