[Dreaming of Next-Generation Batteries] "SK On Maximizes 90% Nickel Efficiency... Leading the Market with 'Safety'"

[Editor's Note] The global competition for next-generation electric vehicle battery technology is fierce. From components including the four major materials to battery manufacturing and recycling, a massive ecosystem innovation is envisioned. Accordingly, Asia Economy aims to explore the current status of 'K-Battery' and glimpse future growth opportunities by meeting domestic battery experts through a year-round project.

In the first installment, we focus on all-solid-state batteries, which have recently garnered the hottest attention in the battery industry. Three domestic battery companies plan to commercialize all-solid-state batteries within 3 to 4 years that can dramatically increase energy density. Since all-solid-state batteries do not use highly flammable electrolytes, the risk of explosion is reduced, and the use of high energy density cathode and anode materials is possible, which is expected to significantly extend the driving range of electric vehicles.

Kisu Park, Head of Cell Development Division 2 at SK On. (Photo by SK On)

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"SK On is a leading company in the high-nickel battery field. It also leads the market in high-performance nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries. The secret is securing safety technology."

[Asia Economy reporters Oh Hyungil and Moon Chaeseok] Park Gisu, head of Cell Development Division 2 at SK On, emphasized that SK On batteries are products that combine both efficiency and safety. A representative product is the world's first developed NCM9. This product, known as a 'high-nickel battery,' is characterized by raising the nickel content to 90%. The higher the nickel content, the higher the energy density. This means battery efficiency is maximized.

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Although it boasts higher quality than the low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries mainly used by Chinese companies, safety issues must be resolved before confidently launching it in the market. The higher the nickel content in the battery, the greater the risk of fire and explosion accidents. Park emphasized, "If the nickel content is increased, the battery becomes unstable, so without excellent safety technology, it is impossible to make high-nickel batteries."

On the 17th of last month at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, during 'InterBattery 2022,' Moon Seung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (second from the left), wrote a handwritten message of support on the NCM9 battery made by SK On and posed for a commemorative photo. From the left: Jeon Young-hyun, Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association (Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung SDI), Minister Moon, Ji Dong-seop, President and CEO of SK On, and Choi Yoon-ho, President and CEO of Samsung SDI. (Photo by SK On)

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The NCM9 battery gained fame when Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Seungwook and SK On CEO Ji Dongseop personally held it for a commemorative photo at 'InterBattery 2022,' the largest battery exhibition in Korea. This battery is supplied to major automakers from SK On's Georgia Plant 1 in the U.S. (production capacity = 9.8 GWh), which has been commercially operating since the first quarter.

Park said, "NCM9 is produced at the Georgia plant in the U.S. and is installed in Ford's F150 Lightning vehicle," adding, "SK On is continuously advancing high-nickel technology like this."

The 'S-Pack' containing SK On's fire prevention technology was exhibited at the SK On booth at 'InterBattery 2022' held at COEX, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 17th of last month. (Photo by Moon Chaeseok)

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The reason SK On batteries have high safety is that they have established a system that eradicates the source of fire in both 'cell' and 'pack' components. The cell is made using the Z-folding method, which wraps the material in a 'Z' shape between the cathode and anode. Even if distortion occurs, the separator prevents contact between the cathodes, eliminating the possibility of fire. They have also developed proprietary technology to prevent fire from spreading from one cell to the entire pack.

He explained, "The key is to make the cell fireproof and the pack fire-retardant," adding, "It is excellent technology that safely delivers performance while reducing the number of components, allowing the battery to be packed tightly in the vehicle, efficiently using space and enabling cost reduction."

Regarding all-solid-state batteries, the 'dream battery' that is vastly superior to existing batteries in performance, weight, and safety, he said they are working to solve technical challenges. Rather than revealing the expected mass production timeline, they are approaching cautiously but plan to accelerate technology development.

However, since they must solve technical issues such as room-temperature operation and lifespan while increasing economic feasibility through mass production and cost reduction, it is premature to disclose specific target timelines.

Park said, "We are also accelerating the development of all-solid-state batteries," adding, "Based on our own research achievements, we are continuing development for commercialization in collaboration with Professor John Goodenough of the University of Texas, well known as a Nobel laureate, Professor Seungwoo Lee of Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and U.S. all-solid-state technology company Solid Power."

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