LG Chem-SK Inno, Participate in 'InterBattery 2020' Industry Exhibition
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] LG Chem and SK Innovation, who are engaged in a legal battle over electric vehicle batteries, will conduct an off-site public opinion campaign at the 'InterBattery 2020' industry exhibition starting on the 21st. LG Chem emphasized that the reason for maintaining the world's number one market share in electric vehicle batteries is its top-notch technology. On the other hand, SK Innovation highlights that there has never been a fire incident at any of its customer sites to date.
◆LG Chem Exhibits 'Long Cell' Battery Maximizing Performance... Emphasizes 'World's Best' Technology
LG Chem will set up the largest booth among participating companies at the 'InterBattery 2020' exhibition held at COEX, Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 21st. This year, the slogan is "We connect science to life for a better future."
LG Chem stated, "We showcase the core technologies that enable us to produce the world's best batteries," emphasizing "technologies that maximize battery performance and safety."
At the event, they will exhibit safety-enhanced separators (SRSⓡ), 'Lamination & Stacking' technology that increases energy density to realize high-capacity yet thin batteries, and integrated cooling module manufacturing technology. The SRSⓡ technology is the subject of a patent infringement lawsuit against SK Innovation, and through the exhibition, LG Chem appears to emphasize that it is their proprietary technology. The cooling-related technology is interpreted as a response to safety concerns raised by incidents such as the Hyundai Motor Kona electric vehicle fire.
LG Chem will also showcase the 'Long Cell' electric vehicle battery, which improves energy density by 16% and driving range by over 20% compared to existing batteries, as well as next-generation battery technologies such as lithium-sulfur, all-solid-state, and long-life batteries.
They will display an actual lithium-sulfur battery that recently succeeded in a test flight mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle. LG Chem explained, "We comprehensively exhibit the key technologies and various products that have led us to the world's number one battery position," adding, "You can see the company's present and future all at once."
◆SK Innovation Emphasizes Safety with "No Fire Incidents" Battery... Highlights Technological Differentiation
SK Innovation has adopted the slogan "Safer than ever, Faster than ever, Longer than ever" for its next-generation battery.
In particular, SK Innovation emphasizes its "safe battery," which has not experienced any fire incidents at any customer site since it began supplying batteries in 2010. This is interpreted as targeting LG Chem, which has faced safety issues such as the Kona EV fire.
SK Innovation explained, "We are not just a simple battery manufacturing company but are building a growth model by contributing to the battery-related industrial ecosystem, including electric mobility (e-mobility)," adding, "We will demonstrate our capabilities as the best prepared partner."
They will also showcase technological differentiation in areas such as fast charging speed and long-distance driving. SK Innovation is developing technology that allows a round trip from Seoul to Busan with just two 10-minute charges. This is expected to be developed by the end of this year or the first half of next year.
SK Innovation is preparing to produce 'NCM GuBanBan' batteries with nickel, cobalt, and manganese ratios of 90%, 5%, and 5%, respectively. Based on the development of batteries like NCM GuBanBan, they plan to focus on developing long-life batteries. They have already succeeded in a 1000 km test drive under optimal driving conditions.
SK Innovation also highlights its history, starting battery research and development and investment in 1982 and developing its first lithium-ion battery in 1996. The company stated, "We will concisely reveal our capabilities recognized by global partners at this exhibition," adding, "We aim to share the future of batteries and use this as an opportunity to co-develop the ecosystem."
Meanwhile, the 'InterBattery 2020' exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and organized by the Korea Battery Industry Association, is the largest secondary battery industry exhibition in Korea, with 198 domestic and international companies participating this year.
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