Softcen Wins Turnkey Order for Next-Generation Battery R&D Production Facility from US Company S

Softcen announced on the 21st that it has received a turnkey order for the entire next-generation battery production facility for R&D purposes from the US company S. The next-generation battery production facility ordered this time is planned to be delivered to a domestic research institute established through cooperation between the US company S and a major domestic battery manufacturer.

The US company S has strengths in developing next-generation batteries that significantly enhance lifespan and performance by combining sulfide-based solid electrolytes with large-capacity cell technology. The sulfide-based electrolyte, which accounts for about 70-80% of the next-generation battery currently under development, is characterized by high lithium-ion transfer efficiency for fast charging.

Next-generation batteries, called the "batteries of the future," replace conventional liquid electrolytes with solid ones to increase energy density and are known as dream batteries that are safe from fire risks. Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, they enable extended driving range, longer battery life, improved safety, and cost reduction. Therefore, leading global automakers and battery manufacturers, including Toyota of Japan, Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution of Korea, are accelerating their research and development efforts.

Previously, Softcen entered the LFP battery market by supplying X-Ray inspection equipment for LFP batteries to ONE, a partner of Tesla. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, mainly produced by Chinese companies, have lower energy density than ternary batteries primarily produced by domestic companies, but their chemical structure is stable, resulting in lower fire risk and less battery cell degradation, leading to longer lifespan. Above all, their affordability has steadily increased their applications.

A Softcen representative stated, “Although the facility is currently for R&D purposes, since we are delivering the entire facility for producing next-generation batteries, we expect large-scale additional orders for full-scale production lines once the customer’s R&D line stabilizes.” They also added, “We are preparing for future growth by developing not only inspection equipment for the increasing demand for LFP batteries but also production facilities for next-generation batteries.”