Tesla Motors is reportedly in talks with Samsung SDI concerning EV battery supply.

A source said: “With Tesla seeking to diversify its battery sourcing channels beyond its key partner Panasonic, Samsung SDI will have greater room to supply more electric vehicle (EV) batteries to Tesla.”

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Another source said, “From next year to 2018, Samsung SDI may handle 40% of Tesla demand.” In 2015, Samsung SDI is expected to meet around 8% of the electric car maker’s battery demand, the Korea Times reported.

Mark Newman at Bernstein Research said: “We expect more development from Tesla’s gigafactory planned for 2020. Some of the battery demand within the project could be allocated to different partners for which we believe Samsung SDI remains well positioned on the basis of both technology and capacity.”

Samsung SDI said nothing had been finalised.

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