[Infinite Power] The Future of Batteries as Envisioned by Samsung

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] Samsung SDI's vision for future battery technology showcased at 'InterBattery 2020' is drawing attention.

Samsung SDI participated in 'InterBattery 2020,' held for three days from the 21st at COEX in Seoul, delivering the message of transcending limits and preparing for a sustainable future through battery technology under the theme 'The Future We Create.'

At this exhibition, Samsung SDI presented an eco-friendly future vision it will create by utilizing three keywords: ‘Green Technology,’ ‘Sustainable Innovation,’ and ‘Green Road Storytelling,’ showcasing advanced battery technology.

Samsung SDI organized and exhibited four zones: small batteries, automotive batteries, ESS batteries, and E-Mobility batteries, which have recently gained prominence in the micro-mobility era.

In addition, regarding all-solid-state batteries, Samsung SDI demonstrated its differentiated technology by revealing its current level of performance, which is higher than competitors, along with its development roadmap for materials and battery cells aimed at mass production in 2027.

Each zone displayed major lineups of small and medium (for electric vehicles) and large (for ESS) batteries currently in mass production, along with key applications equipped with these batteries such as drones, wireless earphones, foldable smartphones, UPS, commercial and residential ESS, leading efforts to raise awareness that batteries are part of our daily lives.

In particular, the actual models of the PHEV vehicle ‘Range Rover Vogue’ by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) equipped with Samsung SDI batteries, Daelim’s electric motorcycles ‘Jappy’ and ‘Arte,’ as well as an electric motorcycle charging station, attracted attention.

A Samsung SDI official stated, "The world that batteries will create in the future will be completely different from today, and Samsung SDI will take the lead in realizing a sustainable future based on differentiated battery technology."

Active Response to Development of Batteries for E-Mobility such as Electric Bicycles

Samsung SDI is also driving the development of batteries for E-Mobility, which is experiencing rapid growth, including electric bicycles. The company plans to actively respond to market demand by producing next-generation batteries that support high energy density, high output, and fast charging.

Samsung SDI announced, "We are developing the next-generation '21700 battery' for electric bicycles to innovate batteries in the electric bicycle market next year."

The global electric bicycle market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of about 5% until 2027. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, the electric bicycle market size grew from 12.8 million units in 2018 to 17 million units this year and is projected to expand to 33.5 million units by 2025.

In Europe, where environmental regulations are accelerating, interest in eco-friendly mobility such as electric vehicles is naturally extending to electric bicycles. They are easy for anyone to use and can reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour (km), emerging as an alternative to public transportation and private cars.

Demand is also surging in China and the United States, which compete for first and second place in the electric vehicle market. In China, the shared bicycle market is growing in conjunction with delivery and courier services. In the U.S., where electric bicycles were legalized in April, high growth of over 10% annually is expected despite the spread of COVID-19.

Demand for batteries, the core component, is also expected to increase rapidly. Market research firm B3 forecasts that the electric bicycle battery market will surge from 483 million cells in 2018 to 704 million cells this year and 1.047 billion cells in 2024.

Samsung SDI, which entered the electric bicycle battery market in 2010, is focusing on developing cylindrical batteries that realize long life and high capacity.

The 21700 battery under development by the company is a cylindrical battery with a diameter of 21 millimeters (mm) and a length of 70 mm. Compared to prismatic or pouch types, it is smaller and more cost-effective. Therefore, it is supplied not only for electric bicycles but also for power tools and energy storage systems (ESS).

A Samsung SDI official said, "Based on high-capacity cathodes and differentiated anode (SCN) materials, we are implementing the world's highest energy density, enhancing competitiveness through unique designs, high output, fast charging technology, and a diverse lineup. Its excellent lifespan and charging characteristics reduce battery replacement frequency, earning positive evaluations from customers."