[Infinite Power] Batteries Gaining More Attention in the Era of Eco-Friendly Cars

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] Recently, it has become easy to spot vehicles with sky-blue license plates around us. These vehicles are none other than eco-friendly cars such as electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles.

According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, electric vehicle sales increased by about 90,000 units in the first half of this year, marking approximately a 30% increase compared to the previous year. About 10% of the cars sold in the first half were eco-friendly vehicles, indicating a growing public interest in environmental issues.

As sales of eco-friendly vehicles increase, high growth is also expected for the core component, lithium-ion batteries. The battery capacity and role differ depending on the type of eco-friendly vehicle. Samsung SDI introduced the types of eco-friendly vehicles and the roles of their batteries.

Eco-friendly Vehicles: Similar but Different

Eco-friendly vehicles can be broadly divided into electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles. Electric vehicles are further classified based on the presence of an internal combustion engine and charging capability into HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and EV (Electric Vehicle).

HEVs and PHEVs both combine a conventional engine and an electric motor, but differ in external charging capability and primary power source. HEVs cannot be charged externally and use fossil fuels (thermal energy) as the main power source, with electricity as auxiliary power. In contrast, PHEVs can be charged externally using a charger, use electricity as the main power source, and fossil fuels as auxiliary power.

Due to these differences in power sources, the battery capacity and roles also vary. HEVs are equipped with batteries of about 3 kWh or less, which assist the engine during start-up, drive the motor at low speeds, and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions during regenerative braking and stops.

On the other hand, PHEVs generally have batteries with capacities ranging from about 4 to 16 kWh, allowing short distances to be driven solely by the electric motor and longer distances using the engine.

This helps overcome the driving range limitations of electric vehicles and improves fuel efficiency. For example, the BMW i8 PHEV equipped with Samsung SDI batteries delivers a maximum output of 362 horsepower and a fuel efficiency of 47.6 km/l, demonstrating high efficiency.

EVs refer to electric vehicles that run 100% on electric energy without fossil fuels. They are environmentally friendly as they emit no carbon dioxide or exhaust gases, and their vehicle structure can be simplified.

EVs typically carry batteries with capacities exceeding 20 kWh. Since the vehicle is powered solely by the battery, more battery capacity is required compared to HEVs or PHEVs. To secure driving ranges comparable to internal combustion engine vehicles, Samsung SDI is continuously innovating battery materials to develop high-capacity batteries capable of driving up to 600 km on a single charge.

Hydrogen vehicles also use batteries to some extent. They are equipped with small batteries of about 2 kWh or less, primarily for energy storage during regenerative braking to improve fuel efficiency. This role is similar to that of batteries in HEVs.

Eco-friendliness is the Trend in the Commercial Vehicle Market

As the eco-friendly vehicle market grows, the commercial vehicle market is also expanding beyond passenger cars.

Electric commercial vehicles have fewer parts than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, reducing the risk of breakdowns and lowering maintenance costs. They also produce less noise, offer rapid acceleration, and can recover more energy through regenerative braking.

The Ministry of Environment aims to promote eco-friendly vehicle adoption to reach a cumulative total of 200,000 vehicles by the end of this year. In the first quarter, the number of electric commercial vehicles supplied was about 2,890, a sharp increase from just 3 units last year, accounting for about 24% of the eco-friendly vehicle market, up significantly from 0.05% last year.

As the market grows, battery technology for electric commercial vehicles also needs to advance. Generally, commercial vehicles use more batteries than passenger cars. The types range from small trucks to container vehicles weighing tens of tons, with battery capacities increasing from tens of kWh to hundreds of kWh.

To meet the demands of this electric commercial vehicle era, Samsung SDI is continuously researching and developing efficient methods to increase energy density and reduce vehicle weight, from cathode and anode materials to fast charging technology.

For cathode materials, Samsung SDI uses high-nickel NCA materials with nickel content increased to over 88%, enhancing energy density while enabling batteries of the same capacity to be installed in smaller spaces and with less weight in electric vehicles.

For anode materials, performance improvements in output and charging speed have been made, and Samsung SDI’s proprietary technology SCN (Silicon Carbon Nanocomposite) using silicon has increased capacity and lifespan.

Based on these R&D achievements, Samsung SDI has enhanced battery performance for electric vehicles, signing a 10-year long-term supply contract with BMW last year, a battery cell supply contract for electric trucks with Volvo Group, and a battery supply contract with Akasol for electric commercial vehicle battery systems, achieving significant results.