Hyundai is about to take the next steps as they prepare to launch the production of their “game-changer”.ng” solid state batteries. New EV battery technology promises long driving range, fast charging, and very high energy density. Here's what to expect.
When are Hyundai's solid-state EV batteries coming?
Last June, Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon revealed a massive investment of $7.3 billion (9.5 trillion won) to boost the development of electric vehicle batteries over the next decade.
Hyundai plans to develop a variety of EV batteries, including LFP, NCM, and solid-state, to cover a variety of segments. According to sources familiar with the matter (by TheKoreanCarBlog), Hyundai's EV batteries are about to reach a critical point.
On December 23rd, industry sources said that Hyundai was almost done setting up a demo line to produce solid state batteries.
An official close to the project said that the machines for individual work are about to run out. Now, only the logistics automation part remains.
Hyundai plans to start testing electric vehicles with solid batteries in 2025. At the end of the decade, mass production is scheduled to begin.
The production line is at Hyundai's Uiwang Research & Development Center in Korea. Hyundai has 22 joint research projects in all four categories, including lithium metal batteries, solid state batteries, battery management systems, and battery process technology. In this case, 14 will be related to lithium metal and solid-state batteries.
Hyundai said these plans “will pave the way for South Korea to become one of the world's leading battery technology houses.”
In September, Hyundai and Kia launched a joint project to develop a precursor to LFP cathode battery materials for future low-cost EV models. Hyundai plans to launch EVs with in-house developed LFP batteries by 2025.
The news comes after Honda unveiled its solid-state battery demo production line last month. Honda also plans to introduce EVs powered by new battery technology by 2030.
Factorial, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, has announced that its “Solstice” battery cells are equipped with a capacity of 40Ah, a new milestone. With an “effective” energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg, Factorial says its battery technology can increase the EV's range by up to 80%, or about 600 miles.
Electrek's Take
With the promise of wider range and faster charging with higher power density, many automakers and other companies are rushing to develop solid-state EV batteries.
Global battery leaders such as CATL, BYD, and Samsung SDI, as well as automakers such as Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai, are developing new technologies. However, safety concerns and production constraints remain a challenge.
According to the latter SNE research statistics, China's CATL remains the global EV battery leader with a 36.8% market share during the first ten months of 2024. BYD was second with a 16.8% share, while Korea's LG Energy was ranked third with an 11.8% share.
Will the next generation of EV batteries shake up the lineup? Hyundai hopes to make its mark with an all-new EV battery test production line that will soon be online.
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