South Korean tech giant Samsung SDI disclosed plans to finally start mass producing the innovative solid-state batteries that may revolutionize the electric vehicle industry by 2027. According to an executive, the company is currently negotiating with some electric automakers.
“We cannot disclose customer names, but we are currently in talks with several automakers over a volume production schedule of 2027.”
Sohn Michael, VP and Head of the Strategic Marketing Team at Samsung SDI’s Medium- and Large-sized Battery Unit
What is a solid-state battery?
Samsung SDI explains that a li-ion battery uses a cathode, anode, separator, and liquid electrolyte solution. In contrast, a solid-state battery utilizes solid electrolyte, not liquid.
The company claims that this new battery tech offers improved safety than the traditional li-ion battery, which is more prone to battery damage like swelling or leakage.
“…a solid-state battery with solid electrolyte shows improved stability with a solid structure, and increased safety since it maintains the form even if the electrolyte is damaged.”
Samsung SDI
Apart from that, its energy density is also higher than li-ion batteries due to its utilization of lithium metal as cathode material instead of graphite or silicon.
Samsung SDI to develop LFP batteries
The South Korean tech company also stated that it aims to develop and launch LFP-based batteries for low- to mid-priced EVs.
“Automakers are launching various electric vehicle models by segment, including premium volume entries, just like conventional internal combustion vehicles, as part of their electrification strategies. Therefore, automotive batteries also need to respond to various platforms by segment. We are actively promoting the development of nickel-manganese oxide (NMX) and LFP platforms for expanding volumes and entry segments.”
Sohn Michael, VP and Head of the Strategic Marketing Team at Samsung SDI’s Medium- and Large-sized Battery Unit
The executive further assured that the company has no plans to neglect its premium strategy, indicating that it only aims to expand its product lineup.
“Regarding the concern that Samsung SDI may abandon its premium strategy, Samsung SDI will not do that. But we want to have a broad product portfolio by securing both premium NCA and top-end premium all-solid-state battery volume-entry NMX LFP technologies.”
Sohn Michael, VP and Head of the Strategic Marketing Team at Samsung SDI’s Medium- and Large-sized Battery Unit
See Also:
- NIO to equip its EVs with 150 kWh solid-state batteries
- Top 5 facts about Toyota’s solid-state battery
- Toyota introduces solid-state battery technology with a 745-mile range and 10-min charge time
- Solid-state battery market to expand 1,137% by 2033, market research says
- Solid-state battery innovation to revolutionize electric vehicles
More and more industry players are starting to gain interest in solid-state batteries. One of them is Japanese legacy automaker Toyota which claims its solid-state batteries can reduce the cost, size, and weight of its current battery technology by 50%.
However, experts worry over the battery tech’s ability to be mass-produced. That said, it would be interesting to see if Samsung SDI will actually hit its target of beginning its large-scale production by 2027.
