Pilot Production Succeeded Last Year
Aiming for Mass Production and Large-Scale Orders This Year
Energy Density 33% Higher Than LFP
Expected to Be a 'Game Changer' in the EV Market
On May 27, POSCO Future M announced that it has completed the development of lithium manganese rich (LMR) cathode material, which is expected to be a game changer in the entry and standard electric vehicle markets, and has begun securing mass production technology. LMR batteries are next-generation batteries that are attracting attention from global automakers, as they offer superior performance and are price-competitive with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are mainly produced by Chinese battery manufacturers.
LMR batteries significantly reduce the proportion of expensive cobalt and nickel, while increasing the use of affordable manganese, thereby enhancing price competitiveness. Considering that LFP batteries are difficult to recycle, LMR batteries, which have a high lithium recovery rate, can also offer an economic advantage.
In addition, compared to LFP batteries, LMR batteries can achieve 33% higher energy density, allowing for greater capacity. As a result, LMR batteries are expected to rapidly replace LFP batteries in the market.
Recognizing these advantages, POSCO Future M has selected LMR cathode material as a new flagship product that could become a game changer in the entry and standard electric vehicle markets. Since 2023, the company has been jointly developing commercialization technology with global automakers and battery manufacturers.
The POSCO Future M Technology Research Center, in collaboration with the POSCO Holdings Future Technology Research Institute, which oversees research and development (R&D) for the POSCO Group, has continuously improved energy density, charge-discharge performance, and safety. As a result, the company succeeded in pilot production last year. POSCO Future M plans to secure mass production technology within this year and actively pursue large-scale contract orders.
Recently, at the request of customers, POSCO Future M conducted due diligence on facility operation, safety, and environmental aspects required for LMR production and obtained approval, bringing the company one step closer to mass production. POSCO Future M plans to utilize its existing nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) cathode material production lines to establish a mass production system without large-scale new investment, and to supply products in a timely manner according to customer requests.
Hong Youngjun, head of the POSCO Future M Technology Research Center, said, "Although the potential of LMR cathode material has long been recognized, commercialization has been difficult due to lifespan issues. However, we have made significant progress through research and development," adding, "Based on a solid relationship of trust, we are on the verge of launching a product that combines affordable pricing with high energy density in cooperation with our customers."
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