Samsung SDI "All-Solid-State Supply Chain Decision in Final Stage"

Ko Jooyoung, Vice President of Samsung SDI, Meets Reporters
At 'SNE Battery Day 2024' Event
"Decision Made to Diversify Supply Chain for Materials and Equipment"

Ko Jooyoung, Vice President and Head of the Medium and Large Product Planning Team at Samsung SDI, is giving a presentation at the 'SNE Battery Day 2024' event held on the 23rd at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jeong Donghoon

Ko Jooyoung, Vice President and Head of the Medium and Large Product Planning Team at Samsung SDI, stated that the supply chain for next-generation batteries, specifically all-solid-state batteries, is in the "final decision-making stage."

Vice President Ko made this remark on the 23rd at the 'SNE Battery Day 2024' seminar held at the Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

All-solid-state batteries are known as "dream batteries" due to their high energy density and low fire risk. Samsung SDI recently announced plans to mass-produce sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries by 2027 and stated that the supply chain for necessary materials and equipment would be finalized within the first half of this year. Vice President Ko is leading the development and commercialization of all-solid-state batteries within Samsung SDI.

Regarding POSCO's recent establishment of a pilot line for lithium sulfide, the most expensive material in the all-solid-state battery supply chain, he said, "We are keeping all options open," adding, "When we say the supply chain decision is finalizing, it means we are considering dual sourcing as well. We will not select just one supplier."

In his presentation, Vice President Ko explained, "The reason next-generation batteries such as all-solid-state and sodium batteries are needed is to ensure the sustainability of the battery industry." He added, "The penetration rate of electric vehicles in new cars is currently about 21%, and it is expected to increase to around 50% by 2030. For the battery industry to grow according to this forecast, batteries with internal combustion engine-level charging speed and driving range must be developed."

He continued, "We aim to develop and mass-produce batteries that cater to all segments (vehicle classes). To this end, we will have a comprehensive product lineup including all-solid-state batteries, high-nickel, mid-nickel, NMX (cobalt-free), and LFP batteries."

Regarding the strategy for all-solid-state batteries, he said, "Initially, all-solid-state batteries will be used in the 'super premium segment' (ultra-luxury vehicles). Leveraging this experience, as the supply chain management (SCM) for all-solid-state battery materials and production capacity expand, production costs will decrease, leading to more widespread use." He described this as "Samsung SDI's electric vehicle battery strategy."