ENPlus Invests in Next-Generation Electrode Mass Production... "Full Two-Shift Operation Due to Surging Orders"

Secondary battery company ENPLUS is expanding its production capacity (CAPA) to meet the demand for secondary battery products. It will also establish the country’s first mass production facilities for ‘long-type prismatic batteries’ and next-generation ‘dry electrodes.’

ENPLUS announced on the 9th that it has decided on a secondary battery equipment investment worth a total of 13.9 billion KRW. The expansion and extension will cover a total of 2,700㎡ (approximately 816 pyeong) across three floors. The new production facilities will include additional production lines for ▲long-type (600mm) prismatic batteries ▲dry electrodes ▲and general electrodes on each floor.

According to global energy market research firm SNE Research, prismatic batteries account for 60-70% of the global battery form factor market. Prismatic batteries are considered the most suitable for next-generation technologies such as Cell to Pack and Cell to Chassis, which enhance the efficiency of electric vehicle batteries.

ENPLUS plans to secure a leading position in the related market by establishing facilities for the long-type prismatic battery, which is twice the size of existing prismatic batteries, a first in Korea. It is also making proactive investments in mass production facilities for dry electrodes, which can drastically reduce costs and operating expenses compared to wet processes, thereby strengthening differentiated competitiveness. ENPLUS is currently discussing supply agreements with overseas automobile manufacturers regarding dry electrode products.

An ENPLUS representative stated, "Since April, we have been actively supplying electrode products to major customers," adding, "We plan to deliver to another customer in the second half of this year." He further explained, "With the current production capacity, we must enter a full two-shift operation system to meet demand, which is why we decided to proceed with additional equipment investment."

He also said, "The equipment investment is being made with consideration of order volumes from one overseas battery company currently in supply discussions," and added, "We have decided to build mass production facilities for dry electrodes aiming to secure market leadership."

In April, ENPLUS obtained quality approval for electrode products from the secondary battery specialized venture company ‘Greenergy’ and began supplying them. In charge-discharge tests, secondary batteries using ENPLUS electrodes recorded a charging efficiency of 99.8% at 1C and 94.5% at 5C, demonstrating superior performance compared to competitors.

This year, ENPLUS participated in various global battery exhibitions such as ‘InterBattery 2023’ and ‘The Battery Show Europe,’ showcasing its self-developed products including dry electrodes. Dry electrodes are recognized as next-generation electrode manufacturing technology because they significantly reduce occupied area and energy consumption during the secondary battery manufacturing process.