LG EnSol and Samsung SDI Clash Over All-Solid-State Batteries: "Difficult for Now" vs. "Mass Production by '27"

SNE Research, Next-Generation Battery Technology Seminar on the 12th
Presenters from Both Companies Disagree on All-Solid-State Battery Commercialization Timing

Safe and High Energy Density 'Dream Battery'
All-Solid-State Battery Faces High Technical and Cost Barriers

LG Energy Solution "Difficult by 2030"
·Samsung SDI "Mass Production System Ready by 2027"

LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI showed differing views on the commercialization timeline of the 'all-solid-state battery,' considered the next-generation battery. While LG Energy Solution stated that "it will be difficult to commercialize all-solid-state batteries even by 2030," Samsung SDI clearly set a goal to "mass-produce by 2027."

On the 12th, Jang Hak-jin, head of the TI (Technology Intelligence) Strategy Team at LG Energy Solution, said at the 'Next Generation Battery Seminar (NGBS 2023)' held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, "All-solid-state batteries are unlikely to be price competitive compared to lithium-ion batteries," adding, "Even Japanese companies that have been most actively engaged in developing all-solid-state batteries are continuously delaying their mass production timelines." He continued, "Next-generation batteries such as all-solid-state batteries will still face difficulties in commercialization by 2030," and "I believe the market will be centered on lithium-ion batteries until 2030."

On the 12th, at the Science and Technology Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Oh Ik-hwan, Vice President of SNE Research, is giving a presentation on "Global Battery Market Outlook and Key Issues" at the 'Next Generation Battery Seminar (NGBS) 2023'.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

All-solid-state batteries are considered 'next-generation batteries' due to their safety and high energy density. The liquid or gel-state electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion batteries expand depending on temperature and can cause fires if electrolyte leakage occurs due to external shocks. In contrast, the solid-state electrolyte in all-solid-state batteries has a lower risk of fire and explosion. Since fewer components such as separators are needed, the weight is also reduced. While the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries is about 255Wh per kg, all-solid-state batteries theoretically increase energy density up to 495Wh per kg. However, they face challenges across several areas, including ▲expensive solid electrolyte materials ▲battery life reduction due to high resistance at the interface between active material and solid electrolyte (interfacial resistance) ▲manufacturing processes requiring high temperature and high pressure.

Ji-woo Ahn, head of the Next-Generation Product Planning Group in the Medium and Large Battery Division at Samsung SDI, focused on the potential and possibilities of all-solid-state batteries in his presentation. Ahn said, "All-solid-state batteries are safe and can reduce weight by up to 9% (based on mid-size vehicles) compared to vehicles equipped with high-nickel batteries," adding, "(Samsung SDI) will complete the development of medium and large all-solid-state battery technology by 2025 and establish a mass production system for all-solid-state batteries by 2027." Since March last year, Samsung SDI has been constructing a pilot line for all-solid-state batteries called 'S-Line' at its research center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Once the line is completed in the first half of this year, sample production is planned for the second half.

Structure of Lithium-ion Battery and All-solid-state Battery. Photo by Samsung SDI

Ahn highlighted Samsung SDI's unique advantages in all-solid-state batteries, including ▲maximizing energy efficiency through NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) cathode materials ▲excellent output and charging performance of sulfide-based solid electrolytes ▲stacking manufacturing method (layering battery materials) ▲and a 'new anode' technology that prevents lithium dendrites (branch-like crystal formations on the anode during battery use).

Both company representatives who presented on the day agreed on the 'high cost' of all-solid-state battery production and research and development but showed different levels of commitment to commercialization. However, LG Energy Solution is also currently developing all-solid-state batteries with a goal of commercialization after 2030.

Jang emphasized that the current trend in the battery and electric vehicle industry is increasingly focused on innovation for cost reduction. He said, "A hundred years ago, Ford revolutionized the automobile market by releasing the Model T, which reduced vehicle prices to a quarter of previous levels. Within 20 years after the Model T's release, the number of automobile companies decreased from 265 to 44," adding, "Tesla's recent price reduction strategy also seems intended to reorganize the market." He continued, "To lower electric vehicle prices, batteries will be the most important factor," and "I believe domestic battery companies must lead this trend through process innovation."

Meanwhile, Oh Ik-hwan, vice president of SNE Research, announced at the seminar that "global electric vehicle sales will reach about 80 million units by 2035, and electric vehicle battery demand will grow from 687GWh in 2023 to 5.3TWh by 2035." In terms of value, the electric vehicle battery market size is expected to grow to $616 billion (approximately 815 trillion KRW) by 2035, which is about five times this year's forecast ($121 billion).