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

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

Jung Geunchang, Vice President of LG Energy Solution, on Solid-State Batteries
"Everything Will Be Achieved Before 2030"

Ko Jooyoung, Vice President and Head of the Medium-to-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 the "dream battery" 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 and observing the situation," adding, "When we say the supply chain decision is finalizing, it means we are considering dual sourcing as well. We will not settle on just one supplier."

Ko Ju-young, 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 Jung Dong-hoon

Samsung SDI to Cover All Segments from Ultra-Luxury to Mid-Range Electric Vehicles

In his presentation, Vice President Ko said, "The reason next-generation batteries such as all-solid-state and sodium batteries are needed is to ensure the sustainability of the battery industry," adding, "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 plan to develop and mass-produce batteries that respond to all segments (vehicle classes)," and "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) of all-solid-state battery materials and production capacity expand, production costs will decrease, leading to more widespread use," describing this as "Samsung SDI's electric vehicle battery strategy."

Samsung SDI aims to mass-produce all-solid-state batteries within three years. Currently, customers are conducting sample evaluations. Vice President Ko stated, "We supplied all-solid-state battery samples to customers last year and earlier this year," and "We are currently receiving feedback, and customer evaluations are positive."

LG Energy Solution: "All Tasks for All-Solid-State Batteries Will Be Completed Before 2030"

Jung Geun-chang, Vice President of LG Energy Solution, is giving a presentation at the 'SNE Battery Day 2024' event held on the 23rd at the Science and Technology Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jung Dong-hoon

LG Energy Solution also announced that visible results for all-solid-state batteries will emerge by 2030. At the same seminar, Jung Geunchang, Vice President of LG Energy Solution, said, "It is difficult to specify the launch timing of next-generation batteries such as lithium-sulfur, all-solid-state, and bipolar batteries, but what can be said is that all tasks will be completed before 2030."

Vice President Jung added, "By utilizing our existing high-performance all-solid-state pouch cell technology, assembly technology, and process technology, we will be able to scale up commercialization faster than anyone else," and "In terms of materials, we already have independent technological product capabilities in about two areas."

LG Energy Solution is known to possess proprietary all-solid-state battery technologies such as cathode nano-coating and highly conductive electrolyte materials. Vice President Jung said, "The target applications in the future are electric vehicles and ships," adding, "Considering the characteristics, required production scale, and price of these two uses, we aim to secure the appropriate launch timing and applications." He further stated, "While it is difficult to specify the launch timing of next-generation batteries, commercialization will occur before 2030."