Latest news with #InterBattery2025
Korea Herald
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
LG Energy Solution opens submissions for battery tech partnership program
Korea's leading battery manufacturer, LG Energy Solution, announced Monday the launch of a new program to accept collaboration proposals from companies with innovative battery technologies, aiming to spur growth through technical partnerships. Through its Open Submission Start-up program, LG Energy Solution will offer joint research and development opportunities or potential investment, following a thorough review and technology assessment of submitted proposals. As part of the initiative, the company is currently accepting proposals from start-ups in six core areas of battery technology until June 30. The categories include materials, cells, cell processing, battery packs, battery management systems and battery systems, encompassing technologies for system validation and integration. Starting in the second half of 2025, the program will expand to accept battery-related proposals in any area, beyond the six initial categories. The range of eligible participants will also expand to include listed companies, allowing proposals to be submitted year-round. To facilitate participation, LG Energy Solution has launched a dedicated page for the program on its Bridge portal, a platform for external collaboration and technology partnerships. 'Open innovation is a key strategy for transforming novel technologies and ideas into reality,' said Kim Je-young, chief technology officer of LG Energy Solution. 'We will continue seeking collaboration with external partners to lead the future of the battery industry.' In March, during InterBattery 2025 — Korea's largest battery industry exhibition — the company emphasized that the next three to five years will be a golden period for enhancing product competitiveness, achieving cost innovation and building a flexible product portfolio. In line with this vision, LG Energy Solution is actively seeking external partnerships to strengthen its technology base. Separately, on Thursday, the company also announced an agreement with Seoul National University to expand its industry-academia cooperation center at the university. With the expansion, the center includes the mechanical engineering field, moving beyond its original focus on chemistry and chemical engineering since the center's launch in 2022.
Korea Herald
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Samsung SDI begins supplying 46-series batteries to US customer
Samsung SDI Co., South Korea's second-biggest battery maker, said Monday it has begun supplying next-generation 46-series cylindrical batteries to a US company. Samsung SDI produces 4695 batteries, measuring 46 millimeters in diameter and 95mm in height, at its domestic plant and assembles them into modules at its Vietnamese plant for shipments to the US customer, the company said in a press release. The modules will be delivered to the unidentified American customer for use in micro mobility applications, it said. Samsung SDI has become the first South Korean battery maker to start supplying 46-series cylindrical batteries for overseas customers. It aims to take market leadership by expanding supplies of the 46-series batteries to electric vehicle makers. The company is "currently in talks" with major EV manufacturers for supplies of the cutting-edge batteries, the release said. Samsung SDI unveiled its 46-series battery lineup, composed of 4680, 4695, 46100 and 46120, at InterBattery 2025, the country's premier battery industry exhibition, held earlier this month. The global market for 46-series cylindrical batteries is expected to grow by an average of 33 percent annually to 650GWh in 2030 from 155GWh this year, according to market researcher SNE Research. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Samsung SDI ready to roll out 46-series batteries: CEO
Samsung SDI President and CEO Choi Joo-sun said Wednesday the company is poised to start mass production of its new 46-series cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles, an upgraded version of the smaller 21700 batteries. 'We have secured customers for these batteries and have submitted sample products (to them),' said Choi during a press briefing at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition on Wednesday in Gangnam, Seoul, while declining to disclose specifics, citing confidentiality. The 46-series cylindrical battery, measuring 46 millimeters in diameter, is called a 'game changer' for its enhanced energy capacity and output and an emerging form factor selected by carmakers looking to power their high-performance electric vehicles. Samsung SDI has displayed the new lineup with four variants: 4680, 4695, 46100 and 46120 — all sharing a 46 mm diameter but differing in length (80 mm, 95 mm, 100 mm and 120 mm, respectively) in its exhibition but, while its rival LG Energy Solution also showcased the advanced tech. Regarding the company's US operations, Choi said, 'This year, we are taking a rather conservative approach on (whether to build) our own North American plant due to a notable decline in the (EV) demand compared to last year. Nonetheless, we are assessing our options, as long-term growth remains a top priority.' Choi added that the first battery cell manufacturing plant of NextStar Energy in the US, a joint venture with Stellantis, has ramped up production faster than expected, with the US Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit projected to be reflected in the first quarter of this year. While taking a cautious approach to completing the second plant of NextStar Energy and a joint venture facility with General Motors by 2027 and 2026, respectively, due to a downturn in the EV demand, Choi noted the company is considering meeting the construction deadline for now. When asked whether Samsung SDI plans to lower the operation rate of its Hungarian plant following Trump's proposed 25 percent tariffs on EU goods, Choi said, 'Our Hungarian facility is currently operating at much lower rates driven by a significant decline in customer demand compared to the past. Unfortunately, I cannot share specific figures (on the rate) due to confidentiality.' Choi projected that the company is expected to see a turnaround from the second quarter of next year while pledging to advance its technological prowess through investments even in the face of ongoing trade disruptions. Commenting on the recent business tie-up with Hyundai Motor Group on robotics, Choi hinted at bolstering a partnership with the auto giant on electric vehicles as well.
Korea Herald
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
LG Energy Solution CEO: Strategic US expansion to offset trade challenges
Kim Dong-myung, CEO of LG Energy Solution and chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association, stated Wednesday that the company is well-positioned to benefit from its extensive US production facilities, despite the tariff threats from President Donald Trump. 'The tariff policies of the new US administration fundamentally encourage domestic production,' Kim said during a press briefing at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition in Gangnam, Seoul. 'We intend to capitalize on our US factories effectively to align with this initiative.' LG Energy Solution operates eight battery manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures with global automakers — the largest number among its Korean competitors. In comparison, SK On operates six and Samsung SDI runs three plants, either independently or in collaboration with other companies. However, Kim remained cautious when asked about the possibility of tariffs on electric vehicle batteries under Trump's administration, stating, 'We will have to wait and see, just as he (Trump) has said.' Regarding earnings projections for the first quarter of 2025, Kim said, 'We cautiously predict that the first quarter or first half of the year may be our lowest point, with gradual improvements expected in the second half. However, given market volatility, we need to remain vigilant. As stated earlier this year, we will maintain our strategy of pursuing efficient investments.' He added that LG Energy Solution is preparing for potential market stabilization and a rebound in EV demand following the current slowdown in the industry. When asked about the growing dominance of Chinese battery manufacturers, Kim emphasized, 'LG Energy Solution takes pride in having shaped the battery industry, as evidenced by our extensive portfolio of battery-related intellectual properties. We have also proven our capabilities in global operations.' He highlighted that LG Energy Solution will leverage its next-generation technologies, including 46-series cylindrical batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, mid-nickel batteries, sodium batteries and cell-to-pack technologies. Chinese battery giants CATL and BYD continue to expand their market share, primarily through cost-efficient LFP batteries. According to market tracker SNE Research, CATL held a 37.9 percent market share in 2024, followed by BYD at 17.2 percent, securing the top two positions globally. In line with LG Group's strategic expansion into India, Kim noted that LG Energy Solution is actively exploring emerging markets, including India, to further diversify its customer base.
Korea Herald
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Samsung SDI powers Hyundai Motor's AI robots, self-driving tech
Samsung SDI announced Monday that it would showcase new battery technologies for Hyundai Motor Group's robots and autonomous vehicles at the upcoming InterBattery 2025 expo in Seoul. At its exhibition booth, the company will feature DAL-e, a service robot developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia, which runs on a battery pack powered by Samsung SDI's 21700 cylindrical cells — measuring 21 millimeters in diameter and 70 millimeters in length. The robot will engage with visitors and introduce Samsung SDI's battery technologies through live demonstrations. Adjacent to DAL-e, Samsung SDI will display MobED, Hyundai and Kia's multi-purpose mobile platform for self-driving vehicles, which is also powered by its cylindrical cells. This platform features a flat, rectangular body with four independently controlled wheels, enabling stable and swift navigation across uneven surfaces. "This marks the first time the leading battery maker and the auto giant have collaborated on a joint marketing initiative, following last month's agreement to develop batteries for robots," Samsung SDI stated. Beyond its partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia, Samsung SDI aims to highlight its technological expertise in future mobility by presenting ROii, a Level 4 autonomous shuttle developed by Autonomous A2Z, South Korea's self-driving startup. Also on display will be the Audi Q6 e-tron Performance model, which is equipped with 180 premium prismatic batteries from Samsung SDI. Recently launched in Korea, this long-range EV offers a maximum driving range of 641 kilometers on a single charge. Furthermore, Samsung SDI plans to unveil its next-generation 46mm cylindrical battery lineup, which significantly enhances energy density and power output compared to the 21700 cells. The new lineup consists of four variants: 4680, 4695, 46100, and 46120 — all sharing a 46mm diameter but differing in length (80mm, 95mm, 100mm, and 120mm, respectively) to accommodate the diverse needs of OEMs. For the Uninterruptible Power Supply sector, essential for the stable operation of data centers, the company will showcase its new high-output batteries, which deliver over 40 percent increased output per rack compared to existing products. Samsung SDI aims to capture over 80 percent of the high-output UPS market with this innovation. Additionally, the company will introduce its flagship Samsung Battery Box 1.5, designed for renewable energy storage systems. This product features an upgraded 'module-embedded direct injection' technology, which enhances safety and capacity while simplifying installation compared to previous versions. Addressing the rapidly evolving EV market, Samsung SDI will introduce mid-range, mid-nickel cobalt manganese batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries, marking a strategic expansion beyond its previous focus on high-end, high-nickel NCM batteries.
