[The Opening Act of the 4680 Battery War] Prismatic & Pouch Types vs Next-Generation Cylindrical Type

Standardized Specifications and Low Costs... Advantageous for Automation

At LG Energy Solution's Ochang plant, employees are showcasing cylindrical batteries in order from the left: 21700 and 18650. Photo by LG Energy Solution

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] The reason cylindrical batteries are gaining attention again lies in their long-established manufacturing technology and standardized specifications, which result in low costs and ease of mass production. Another advantage is their enhanced safety due to accumulated technology. 'The Dawn of the 4680 Battery War'

Cylindrical batteries are mainly used in mobile phones, power tools, and other devices due to their standardized specifications and low manufacturing costs. However, they have been regarded as a 'gye-ryuk' (an indispensable yet burdensome asset) in the electric vehicle battery market because of their relatively small capacity and limitations in diverse design configurations.

According to market research firm SNE Research on the 19th, the market share of cylindrical batteries in the electric vehicle battery market has gradually decreased from 29% in 2018 to 23% in 2020, and 15.6% in the first quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, the market share of prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries has exceeded 50%, driven by large-scale expansions in recent years by Chinese battery manufacturers, including CATL, the world's largest electric vehicle battery maker focusing on prismatic batteries.

In the case of cylindrical batteries, the output per unit is lower compared to prismatic or pouch types. However, when multiple batteries are combined to form a battery pack corresponding to a module, many more cylindrical batteries can be packed into the same battery pack area than prismatic batteries. Therefore, the completed battery pack can hold a larger charge.

Another advantage of cylindrical batteries is their ability to disperse risks such as power outages or fires. Prismatic or pouch batteries connected in series carry the risk that if one battery fails, the entire power supply may shut down or pose a fire hazard. Cylindrical batteries, which are smaller and connected in parallel, can disperse such risks, and replacing a few batteries with shorter lifespans allows the battery pack to be recycled at a low cost.

Productivity can also be maximized. Cathode materials, anode materials, and separators are rolled up and inserted into a cylindrical can (CAN) according to standardized sizes. However, to manufacture 4680 batteries, the performance of winders (machines that roll battery materials and components) must be supported, and electrolyte injection technology suitable for the larger cylindrical batteries is also required.

Professor Cheolwan Park of the Department of Automotive Engineering at Seojeong University explained, "The 4680 standard for cylindrical batteries can be a game changer," adding, "The key lies in ultra-fast mass production processes." He further analyzed, "From price competitiveness to the ability to supply batteries promptly when automakers need them, concerns about battery supply shortages can be dispelled," and noted, "This is why automakers are rushing to adopt cylindrical batteries."