SK On is strengthening its cooperation with the American solid-state battery company Solid Power to accelerate the pace of solid-state battery development. With the high-level technological capabilities of both companies combined, expectations are growing that the development of solid-state batteries, often referred to as the “dream battery”, will gain significant momentum.
On January 17th, SK On announced that it had signed a technology transfer agreement with Solid Power at CES 2024, the world’s largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition, which concluded last week in Las Vegas.
The signing ceremony held on January 10th (local time) at the Las Vegas Convention Center was attended by SK On’s CCO, Sung Min-seok, and Solid Power’s CEO, John Van Scoter.
According to the agreement, SK On will be able to utilize all the technology related to the cell design and pilot line processes of Solid Power’s solid-state batteries in its research and development. Solid Power will supply SK On with sulfide-based solid electrolytes to assist in the development of solid-state batteries with superior stability and performance.
Through this collaboration, SK On plans to establish a pilot line for solid-state batteries at its Daejeon Battery R&D Center by 2025. The pilot line serves as a test production facility ahead of full-scale mass production.
SK On aims to develop solid-state batteries that significantly enhance factors such as lifespan and energy density by integrating its own technologies and know-how with Solid Power’s sulfide-based solid electrolyte and cell technology. The two companies will continue their collaboration for the commercialization of solid-state batteries post-development.
In 2021, SK On invested $30 million (approximately 40 billion KRW) in Solid Power and agreed to jointly develop next-generation solid-state batteries. Since then, they have been discussing specific collaboration methods.
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolytes used in current lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolytes. By applying solid electrolytes, the fire risk is reduced, enhancing safety. There is also the advantage of reducing battery weight and volume, allowing for capacities that surpass the limitations present with lithium-ion batteries.
Founded in 2011, Solid Power possesses outstanding large-format cell technology and has excellent production capabilities for solid electrolyte manufacturing. It is currently developing industry-leading sulfide-based solid-state battery technologies.
To develop solid-state battery technology, SK On is conducting joint research not only through its own studies but also with various partnerships. Last year, it successfully developed a new oxide-based solid electrolyte with the highest lithium-ion conductivity accompanied by a research team from Dankook University, and completed the application for domestic and international patents.
Contact: Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr