South Korea’s LG Energy Solution Taps Into U.S. Solar EV Market Through Aptera Partnership

(Photo=Aptera Motors)

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, one of the world’s largest EV battery manufacturers, is deepening its foothold in the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain, securing a long-term deal to power solar EV startup Aptera Motors as the California-based company prepares to go public on Nasdaq.

Under a seven-year agreement, LG Energy Solution will supply 4.4 GWh of cylindrical 2170 batteries through 2031, supporting Aptera’s push to commercialize its three-wheeled solar-powered vehicle.

The deal positions LG Energy Solution as a key technology partner in a niche but fast-growing corner of the U.S. EV market: vehicles designed to supplement traditional charging with solar energy.

The Aptera partnership is the latest in a string of moves by LG Energy Solution to expand its U.S. presence.

The company already operates large-scale battery production in North America to support automakers like General Motors and Honda, aligning with the Biden administration’s push to strengthen domestic EV supply chains through international partnerships.

Aptera, often dubbed “the next Tesla” by EV enthusiasts, is set to list its Class B common stock on Nasdaq on October 16 through a secondary offering. Its vehicle, which integrates solar panels directly into its body, can travel up to 399 miles on a single charge and add 39 miles per day via solar power alone. The company has roughly 50,000 preorders and plans to begin U.S. deliveries later this year.

By securing Aptera as a long-term client, LG Energy Solution is betting that new categories of electric mobility-like solar-assisted EVs-will open additional market opportunities beyond traditional automaker contracts. The partnership also reinforces how U.S. startups are increasingly turning to foreign battery makers for high-performance cells, despite ongoing efforts to localize supply chains.

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Jin Lee

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