South Korean battery giant SK On has recently announced the commencement of trial production for all-solid-state batteries. These innovative batteries are being developed with a unique process that allows for the electrodes to be reliably manufactured on an automated production line. SK On has been collaborating with U.S.-based Solid Power for over a year on the development of solid-state batteries.
Solid-state batteries are gradually transitioning from lab experiments to tangible products for electric vehicles. SK On, a prominent supplier to major automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and Nissan, unveiled its first pilot production line for solid-state batteries in Daejeon. The company has set ambitious goals for commercializing these advanced batteries by the end of the decade.
The key distinction of solid-state batteries lies in their use of solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes, offering advantages such as enhanced safety, increased energy density for longer driving ranges, and improved fast charging capabilities. Industry experts have long hailed solid-state batteries as the “holy grail” of battery technology, and despite the challenges of scaling up production, progress is steadily being made towards commercial viability.
SK On’s pilot production line will focus on building prototype cells for evaluation and validation before moving towards full-scale commercial production. The company’s partnership with Solid Power aims to develop cells with an impressive energy density of 800 watt hours per liter, surpassing the average energy density of nickel-based lithium-ion batteries. SK On envisions further advancements to achieve an energy density of 1,000 Wh/L over time.
The production facility will initially focus on sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, with plans to also manufacture lithium-metal batteries as part of the production line. SK On acknowledges the challenges involved in automating cell sealing processes on a continuous production line but is actively working to address these issues during the pilot phase.
To enhance performance and efficiency, SK On has implemented modifications in battery material mixing and pressing techniques to reduce resistance, improve cooling, and optimize the bonding of electrodes with solid electrolytes. These enhancements are crucial for ensuring smoother ion flow and enhancing the durability and stability of the batteries.
SK On aims to begin commercial production of all-solid-state batteries by 2029, a year earlier than initially planned. Additionally, the company is striving to introduce low-cost lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery production in the U.S. for energy storage systems. SK On’s joint venture with Ford, BlueOval SK, has already commenced the manufacturing of nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries at a state-of-the-art facility in Kentucky for electric vehicles like the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit van.
The solid-state battery revolution appears to be on the horizon, with SK On at the forefront of innovation in this space. The company’s commitment to advancing battery technology underscores its dedication to driving the future of electric mobility.