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 Even 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." The debate over 'all-solid-state batteries' between the two companies recalls their past differing judgments over the OLED TV and smartphone markets.
A prototype of an all-solid-state battery with free formability. Photo by Korea Basic Science Institute.
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 on the 12th 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 the mass production timeline." He continued, "Next-generation batteries such as all-solid-state batteries will face difficulties in commercialization even by 2030," and "I believe the market will be centered around lithium-ion batteries until 2030."
Jang Hak-jin, Head of the TI (Technology Intelligence) Strategy Team at LG Energy Solution, is explaining the trend of battery price competition and solid-state battery technology. Photo by Jeong Dong-hoon
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 with temperature changes and can cause fires if leaked 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 required, 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 various areas, including ▲expensive solid electrolyte materials ▲battery life reduction due to high resistance at the interface between active materials and solid electrolytes (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) plans to 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."
Among the three domestic battery companies, Samsung SDI is the most proactive in developing all-solid-state batteries. Since March last year, it 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 expected in the second half.
An Ji-woo, Head of Next-Generation Product Planning Group in the Medium and Large Battery Division at Samsung SDI, is explaining the strengths of lightweight all-solid-state batteries. Photo by Jeong Dong-hoon
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 lithium crystal formations on the anode during battery use).
The conclusion of the 'all-solid-state battery debate' between the two companies is still unknown. However, the outcomes of their past major technological disputes or battles are clear. In the OLED TV market alone, LG was the winner. Samsung pointed out the OLED TV's afterimage problem as a technical limitation and promoted QLED TVs, which are LCD panels with quantum dot films added. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee even said, "We will never make OLED TVs." However, Samsung released new OLED TV products this year after 10 years, as LG, leading with OLED, established itself as a TV powerhouse.
On the other hand, Samsung won the smartphone market. LG once gained attention in the feature phone market with popular models like the Chocolate phone and Prada phone. However, relying on external consulting that said "the smartphone era was far off," LG delayed entering the smartphone market and eventually lagged in optimization, failing to maintain its market share from the feature phone era. LG Electronics withdrew from the mobile business in 2021. Meanwhile, Samsung, which quickly entered the smartphone market, has been the top smartphone shipper for 12 consecutive years. In other words, it was one win and one loss. The winner of this all-solid-state battery debate will take the lead in the long-standing technological rivalry between Samsung and LG.
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