SK Innovation and Solid Power, a US battery maker, will develop a next-generation all-solid-state battery.
SK Innovation announced on the 28ththat they are investing 30 million dollars (about 35.325 billion KRW) in Solid Power and signed an agreement for joint development of all-solid-state batteries. Solid Power is an American all-solid-state battery company invested by Ford and BMW.
Both of companies agreed to jointly develop and produce all-solid-state batteries. The all-solid-state battery is characterized by reducing the risk of fire by converting the electrolyte, the main material of the battery, from liquid to solid. In addition, it is drawing attention as it can overcome the limit of lithium battery capacity while reducing the weight and volume of the battery.
SK Innovation is developing an all-solid-state battery by applying a silicon anode material to the existing battery’s cathode material. The goal of the all-solid-state battery is to realize an energy density of more than 930 watt-hours(Wh) per liter. This is about 33% higher density per liter than lithium batteries. When equipped with an electric vehicle, the company explains that it can run 930 km on a single charge.
SK Innovation produces all-solid-state using existing battery production facilities. Additional equipment investment can be minimized, saving money and time. It is expected that the time for mass production of all-solid-state will be accelerated.
SK Innovation will work with Solid Power to preoccupy the next-generation battery market. Solid Power is producing all-solid-state prototypes and solid electrolytes on a pilot production line at their headquarters in Colorado, USA. The two companies plan to strengthen the technology for all-solid-state commercialization.
Sungjoon Lee, head of SK Innovation’s Environmental Science and Technology Institute, said“SK battery business is expanding the industrial ecosystem by developing technologies and products that realize the safest and best performance. We will work with Solid Power to lead the future battery market.”
By Staff Reporter Jiwoong Kim (jw0316@etnews.com)