Latest news with #SKOn
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
10 notable factory cancellations or openings in 2025
This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter. Major U.S. manufacturing construction projects are in flux this year. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 16 clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing projects worth $8 billion were canceled, according to environmental group E2. In May, that total grew to $15.5 billion and the loss of 12,000 potential jobs. The Trump administration has stated it wants to pause the disbursement of grants, loans and tax credits for clean energy projects and shift support to fossil fuels and nuclear power. To this end, the president's recently passed tax law restricts clean energy credits offered by the Inflation Reduction Act. Amidst the news of new initiatives being canceled, existing projects at further stages are continuing to completion, expansion and launch. Here are some of the biggest highlights of manufacturing investments that were announced or put on hold so far in 2025. AESC The EV battery cell maker has paused the construction of its $1.6 billion plant in South Carolina. The construction began in 2023 but has now been put on hold due to changes in policy and the resulting market uncertainty, according to a company statement. AESC said it 'fully intends to meet our commitments' and specified that the project hasn't been canceled. However, no timeline or future plans were revealed. Bosch Bosch has halted plans to build a $200 million hydrogen fuel cell production facility in South Carolina. Originally slated for completion by 2026, the project aimed to produce fuel cells for Class 8 trucks and was expected to generate over 350 jobs. The company attributed this suspension to 'significant changes' in the industry and said it would 'continue to re-evaluate the investment for local fuel cell manufacturing when regional market demand increases.' Ford and SK On BlueOval SK Battery, a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and SK On, is preparing to begin production in 2025. The $11 billion EV battery production project will construct facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee. The project received a $9.6 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan late last year, in addition to a $500 million grant from the state of Tennessee. Freyr Battery/T1 Energy Freyr, now rebranded as T1 Energy, canceled plans to build a $2.5 billion battery cell manufacturing plant in Georgia. The facility was slated to have created 700-plus jobs. The company has now shifted its focus to solar cell manufacturing after acquiring Trina Solar's 5-gigawatt solar module manufacturing facility and moving its global headquarters closer to this site. In addition, T1 has announced a new 5-GW solar cell manufacturing facility that's expected to begin construction in 2025 and production in the first half of 2026. The project is said to create up to 1,800 jobs with an investment of $850 million. Hyundai In March, Hyundai officially opened an electric and hybrid vehicle production facility in Georgia. With a $12.6 billion initial investment and commitment of an additional $21 billion investment from 2025 to 2028, it marks the largest economic investment project in the state's history. Hyundai announced that the facility has a production capacity of 500,000 vehicles annually and would create 8,500 jobs by 2031. Intel Intel has delayed the construction of its $28 billion Ohio One semiconductor production campus, which consists of two plants. The company received $1.5 billion in CHIPS funding for the project, which is expected to create 10,000 jobs. The campus was supposed to be ready by the end of 2026, but the timeline has now been pushed back to 2030 and 2031 for the two plants, respectively. JetZero The aircraft maker is planning to build a $4.7 billion plant in North Carolina. The company aims to begin construction next year, and the first commercial aircraft is expected to be ready by the end of the decade. The project is expected to create 14,500 jobs, which is the highest number in the state's history. Kore Power The company is no longer moving forward with a previously announced $1.2 billion battery cell plant in Arizona. The plant was expected to begin production this year, but now the site has been listed for sale and the founder and CEO has stepped down. The project was expected to have 6 GWh of initial capacity, eventually rising to 12 GWh, and create 3,000 jobs. However, the company claims it never received funds from an $850 million conditional DOE loan. Texas Instruments The semiconductor manufacturer has announced a $60 billion investment in seven fabrication plants across Texas and Utah. One of the Texas sites has received $40 billion for four fabs one of which is slated to begin production this year. Once ready, all the fabs combined are expected to produce hundreds of millions of chips daily for leading companies like Apple, Ford and Nvidia. The overall project is also slated to create 60,000 new jobs. TSMC Late last year, TSMC began high-volume semiconductor production at its first Arizona fab. This year, the company finished construction of the second fab and is expected to begin operations by 2028. Work has also begun on the third fab, which is slated to be ready by 2030. The company also announced an additional $100 billion investment with 'three new fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities, and a major R&D team center.' This brings the company's total planned investment in the region to $165 billion so far. All of these projects combined are expected to create 40,000 construction jobs, with many more tech roles in the future. Recommended Reading Major factory construction projects to watch in 2025
Nikkei Asia
a day ago
- Automotive
- Nikkei Asia
Korean battery firms grow US market share as restrictions on China tighten
An LG Energy Solution electric-vehicle battery pack at the InterBattery exhibition in Seoul on March 5. South Korean battery manufacturers are expanding their presence in the U.S. market. PAK YIU NEW YORK -- South Korean and Japanese battery companies are set to expand their market share in the United States as regulations increasingly restrict Chinese competitors' foothold. South Korea's LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On have been scaling up their local production and strengthening partnerships, while Japanese tech giant Panasonic recently began local production of its lithium-ion batteries. These developments come even as U.S. President Donald Trump's spending legislation pares back tax incentives for wind, solar and electric vehicles.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Samsung SDI beats rivals in W1tr government ESS bid
Samsung SDI has secured the lion's share of the 1 trillion won ($725 million) worth of South Korean energy storage systems up for government bidding, leveraging its technological prowess in the advanced battery cells. According to media reports Monday, Samsung SDI won bids for six out of Korea's eight ESS projects, outpacing its domestic rivals — LG Energy Solution and SK On. This was the first round of ESS construction project bids overseen by the government, and covered a total of 3,240 MWh of energy storage in eight regions, including South and North Jeolla Province, North Gyeongsang Province, Gangwon Province and Jeju Island, by the end of 2026. Samsung SDI's dominance in the bidding, accounting for 2,790 MWh of the total storage, was driven by its strengths in 'non-price criteria,' which made up 40 percent of the evaluation. These criteria assessed technological capability and contributions to the domestic industry — areas where Samsung SDI stood out. Among other things, the company produces most of its ESS battery cells at its Ulsan plant, backed by a robust local supply chain, and showcased its latest thermal safety technology as part of the bid. Samsung SDI was reported to have highlighted its thermal propagation prevention solutions by integrating 'enhanced direct injection' technology — its third-generation ESS safety advancement — into the Samsung Battery Box ESS product. This method swiftly reduces the temperature at the heat source in the battery cell after spraying a fire extinguishing agent through pipes connected to the ESS battery module. This innovation prevents heat spread to neighboring battery cells in the ESS device more effectively than the company's previous solutions, which used either a fire-suppressing sheet or directly injected a fire extinguishing agent into the cells. Samsung SDI's SBB has also received global safety certifications, including recognition from UL, a US-based safety certification organization. Industry watchers say Samsung SDI's win in the domestic ESS project is notable as it was accomplished using its high-capacity nickel cobalt aluminum batteries, as opposed to the increasingly popular lithium iron phosphate batteries introduced by its rivals. LFP battery cells are cheaper and are generally considered to be more stable than NCA cells. LG Energy Solution, a pioneer of the ESS LFP battery sector, started mass production of LFP cells in its Michigan plant last month, while forging a 1,000 MWh supply deal from Poland's state-run power company. SK On has completed prototype development earlier this year. However, LG Energy Solution — which previously won 200 billion won and 830 billion won ESS projects for Jeju Island and the Korea Electric Power Corp. — secured two projects in this bid, for Pyoseon in Jeju and Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province. SK On did not secure any contracts in this bid. The results of the first ESS bids will be finalized if no objections are raised by Thursday. A second round of competitive bidding for new contracts is scheduled for the latter half of the year, with further details to be announced by the Korea Power Exchange.
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Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line
Korean battery maker eyes edge over Chinese rivals by diversifying cost-effective battery offerings SK On has begun setting up a pilot line for unidirectional prismatic battery cells at its Daejeon research center this week, as demand grows for this more space-efficient battery format in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. 'Unidirectional' or 'top terminal' cells refer to a battery design in which current flows through terminals placed on the top, optimizing the use of space and simplifying their integration into EVs. Prismatic cells can be made rectangular, unlike the more traditional cylindrical cells. This allows for higher energy density, as there is less empty space between the cells when packed together to make batteries. This initiative marks the completion of SK On's prismatic battery road map, following its earlier launch of a pilot line in 2023 for 'bidirectional' or 'side terminal' prismatic cells, which feature terminals on opposite sides to enhance current distribution and thermal efficiency. 'The initial setup of SK On's unidirectional prismatic battery pilot line — involving equipment delivery, positioning, unpacking, and installation — has start this week,' said an industry source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'Full-scale construction will begin next week, focusing on integrating utilities such as electrical connections.' The source added that sample production will commence soon after the line setup is complete, with a mass production schedule to be determined through client negotiations. The move is part of SK On's broader push to narrow the gap with domestic rival Samsung SDI, which already mass-produces unidirectional prismatic cells, while also preparing for large-scale production of bidirectional cells. LG Energy Solution is likewise developing prismatic batteries through a partnership with General Motors in the US and is reportedly building a pilot line at its Ochang plant in North Chungcheong Province. However, the specific type of prismatic cell remains undisclosed. Demand for prismatic battery cells is accelerating due to their high energy density, enhanced safety, and packaging efficiency — qualities that make them well-suited for both electric vehicles and energy storage systems. According to India-based Market Report Analytics, the global prismatic battery market is expected to grow from approximately $25 billion in 2028 to $40 billion by 2033. Automakers including Hyundai Motor Group, GM, Volkswagen, and Ford are increasingly adopting prismatic designs for next-generation EVs and hybrid vehicles. Samsung SDI, for example, signed a seven-year deal with Hyundai Motor in 2023 to supply batteries for its European EV lineup between 2026 and 2032. GM is working with LG Energy Solution on similar deployments. Though SK On has not disclosed specific customers, media reports suggest it may pursue supply deals with China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, following a strategic agreement signed last year. Geely owns global brands such as Geely Auto, Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. SK On first unveiled its unidirectional and bidirectional prismatic prototypes at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition in Seoul in March. Industry experts say its expansion into unidirectional designs could help SK On build a more diversified customer base and better compete with Chinese firms such as CATL and CALB. Those companies have primarily focused on bidirectional formats, which are optimal for cell-to-pack systems that eliminate conventional battery modules. In contrast, unidirectional cells are better suited for modular systems, where battery cells are arranged into packs via intermediate modules — still widely favored in many EV platforms.
Korea Herald
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
CATL's ‘salt battery': Cheaper EVs or chemistry compromise?
Chinese battery giant challenges EV norms with low-cost sodium-ion cells, but experts question energy limits CATL, the Chinese battery behemoth, is poised to shake up the electric vehicle landscape with sodium-ion batteries, or 'salt batteries,' with mass production for mainstream EVs scheduled within this year. These cells are expected to offer an even greater cost advantage over CATL's current lithium iron phosphate offerings, further pressuring South Korean battery rivals already struggling to challenge China's dominance in the electrified vehicle sector. Contrary to projections from Korean companies, which had anticipated CATL's sodium-ion cells would be better suited for energy storage systems, CATL plans to launch its 'Naxtra' battery for passenger vehicles by December. The battery reportedly offers an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram and a range of 500 kilometers on a single charge. A key marketing highlight is the battery's exceptional performance in cold weather, surpassing that of existing lithium-ion technologies, including Korea's nickel cobalt manganese products and the LFP cells whose production is dominated by China. Cheaper than LFP, easier to produce CATL's sodium-ion battery launch presents an unwelcome challenge for Korean battery manufacturers, who have yet to begin mass production of LFP cells for EVs. Addressing China's sodium battery innovation, SK On CEO and President Lee Seok-hee reportedly said in a recent closed-door meeting, 'We need to closely monitor technological trends in sodium-ion cells for the budget-friendly EV market.' The nickname is misleading: Sodium batteries don't actually have salt in them. But one of their biggest advantages is their lower cost and more readily available raw materials compared to lithium-ion cells. According to data from Shanghai Metals Market, battery-grade sodium carbonate was priced at $598.18 per ton as of Tuesday, while lithium carbonate cost $9,612.58 per ton. 'Sodium-ion batteries could become significantly cheaper than LFP — possibly half the cost — once production is optimized,' said a senior researcher at a major Korean battery company. 'Unlike lithium, which shows drastic price fluctuations due to limited reserves, sodium can be easily sourced from sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide, both widely available in seawater.' The researcher added that the manufacturing process for sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells is largely 'exchangeable,' potentially lowering equipment costs for the new battery chemistry. The simplicity of the production process is another reason sodium-ion batteries are advancing more rapidly toward commercialization than other next-generation technologies, such as lithium-metal batteries, which are currently being pursued by a joint partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and SES AI. 'The electrode slurry used in salt batteries is usually softer and stickier than in lithium-metal cells. This allows for more uniform coating on current collectors such as aluminum foils,' noted the researcher. 'In contrast, lithium-metal batteries often face challenges like dendrite formation, which can lead to battery fires.' Premature hype? Despite the promising innovation, industry insiders remain skeptical about sodium-ion batteries replacing LFP or NCM cells due to their inherently lower energy density. Last month, CATL began mass production of a 24V start-stop integrated sodium-ion battery for heavy-duty trucks. However, as the name suggests, it is primarily designed to start engines or power auxiliary systems in internal combustion engine vehicles, not to drive fully electric heavy trucks, which require high-voltage packs. 'Due to its larger ionic radius and a relatively low average operating voltage of around 3.2 volts per cell, sodium-ion lags in energy density compared to lithium-ion,' said an industry source who requested anonymity. 'CATL's 150-175Wh/kg energy density is significantly lower than NCM's approximately 500Wh/kg. Not to mention its disadvantage to maintain stable performance in high-voltage conditions of over 4.2V.' Batteries with low energy density are typically used in budget EVs rather than in electric SUVs or high-performance models that require longer ranges and higher power. Although CATL claims a 500 km range and stable performance in cold weather, such batteries are likely to experience greater real-world range drops than those with higher energy density. 'Sodium-ion batteries offer commercial viability in cost-sensitive segments, but replacing lithium-ion cells remains a challenge,' the source added. The senior researcher agreed, noting, 'Our company views salt batteries as one of many next-generation battery technologies. We don't necessarily see them as direct replacements for LFP or NCM.' Among Korean battery makers, only LG Energy Solution is aiming for sodium-ion battery commercialization for uninterruptible power supplies and EVs by 2030. Samsung SDI and SK On are still exploring potential development paths. Meanwhile, Fortune Business Insights projects the global sodium-ion battery market will grow from $18.2 billion in 2025 to $203.2 billion by 2032, reflecting more than tenfold growth over the period. hyejin2@
