Listening to the Chief Technology Officer ⑤ Kim Jeyoung, CTO of LG Energy Solution
46,734 Patents... Twice as Many as Chinese Competitors
Dry Electrode Technology Reduces Factory Floor Space by 30% and Costs by 15%
High-Voltage NCM and Silicon-Carbon Anode Materials R&D
Kim Jeyoung, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Executive Vice President in charge of research and development (R&D) at LG Energy Solution, identified 'dry electrode' technology as the core capability to compete with China's lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This is because it can reduce costs, providing an advantage in price competitiveness.
He also expressed optimism about the 46-series cylindrical batteries, which are about to enter full-scale mass production. He believes it will take some time for solid-state batteries to enter the mainstream market. Given that LG Chairman Koo Kwang-mo recently announced plans to develop batteries as a key flagship business for LG, LG Energy Solution's R&D efforts are expected to be strengthened.
Enhancing LFP Competitiveness with Dry Electrode Technology
In an interview with Asia Economy, Executive Vice President Kim emphasized dry electrode technology. This technology manufactures cathodes and anodes without using solvents. Currently, the wet process used in electrode manufacturing involves mixing active materials with solvents to create a slurry, which is then coated onto aluminum (cathode) or copper (anode) current collectors. In contrast, dry electrode technology coats the active material directly onto the current collector without making a slurry, eliminating the need for a drying process. Additionally, the approximately 100-meter-long space required for drying electrodes in the wet process is unnecessary in the dry process.
Kim stated, "Dry electrode technology offers advantages such as reducing factory floor space by more than 30% and lowering processing costs by over 15% through process innovation," adding, "It is a technology that can enhance the competitiveness of LFP products." He further explained, "Dry electrode technology is crucial for drastically reducing cell production costs amid growing demand in the affordable electric vehicle market and also aligns with eco-friendly needs." LG Energy Solution currently operates a dry electrode pilot line at its Ochang plant in Chungbuk and plans to commercialize the technology by 2028.
Kim also mentioned that preparations are underway for mass production of the 46-series batteries. The 46-series refers to cylindrical batteries with a diameter of 46 mm. Various versions are being developed based on length, such as 4680, 4695, and 46120, collectively called the '46-series.' Compared to the existing 2170 cylindrical batteries, the 46-series can improve energy density and output by at least five times and also enhance space efficiency, making it a next-generation battery.
LG Energy Solution is known to have an annual production capacity of 8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) for the 46-series at its Ochang plant. It also plans to produce the 46-series at a standalone factory under construction in Arizona, USA.
On the other hand, he took a conservative view on solid-state batteries. Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of conventional liquid electrolytes, enhancing fire safety and increasing energy density. Kim said, "While solid-state batteries have technical advantages and are likely to play an important role in the electric vehicle market in the long term, it will take some time for them to enter the mainstream market due to challenges such as mass production technology, price competitiveness, and competition with existing batteries."
LG Energy Solution Holds Twice as Many Patents as China
Kim highlighted 'patents' as LG Energy Solution's greatest weapon. He said, "Over the past 30 years, we have invested in R&D ahead of any competitor, achieving an 'Accumulation of Time.' A prime example of this is our patents." As of November 2024, LG Energy Solution holds 46,734 patents across all areas including battery materials, cells, packs, and battery management systems (BMS). This is more than twice the number held by Chinese competitors (22,884 patents).
Kim explained, "It is practically impossible for latecomers to manufacture lithium-ion batteries without using LG Energy Solution's patented technologies," adding, "We operate a patent pool program that receives fair compensation to support the development of the global battery industry."
LG Energy Solution focuses its R&D on 'enhancing product competitiveness' and 'securing advanced technologies.' Kim stated, "To secure advanced technologies, we are actively conducting R&D on high-voltage NCM, high-capacity silicon-carbon anode materials, dry electrode technology, and solid-state, lithium-sulfur, and bipolar battery technologies." The high-voltage NCM technology increases energy density by raising voltage while reducing nickel content and is considered a countermeasure to China's LFP batteries.
Kim predicted that electric vehicles five to ten years from now will evolve from simple means of transportation into hubs of intelligent mobility. Through the expansion of charging infrastructure and the spread of V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology, electric vehicles are expected to serve as energy storage systems as well.
To prepare for future electric vehicles, advancements in battery technology must be supported. Kim said, "Future batteries will play innovative roles in various industries such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), portable electronic devices, and smart grids," and predicted, "They will develop focusing on higher energy density, faster charging speeds, longer lifespan, and eco-friendliness."
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