Samsung SDI has begun commercializing lithium iron phosphate ( LFP ) batteries. We are planning to create a development line within the year and mass produce it in Ulsan.
LFP batteries are inexpensive to manufacture and have high safety, but have low energy density and a short driving range.
Unlike China, which has focused on LFP , domestic battery manufacturers have been focusing on ternary batteries with high energy density, and are taking active measures as demand for low-end electric vehicles increases.
According to the industry on the 15th, Samsung SDI is developing LFP cathode active material at its Suwon research center . Some samples of materials that have been verified are being made to test their performance.
Samsung SDI is understood to be going one step further and pursuing the establishment of a new LFP battery development line. The Giheung business site is being reviewed and discussions with related industries have begun.
Mass production of LFP batteries is being considered at the Ulsan plant.
Samsung SDI is producing electric vehicle batteries in Ulsan, and plans to double the site by 2025 (665,000 m2 → 1,231,850 m2) and use it as a core base for LFP batteries. A plan스포츠토토 to establish a test production (pilot) line and a mass production line in Ulsan is being discussed.
In summary, Samsung SDI is attempting to elevate LFP, which is currently at the research laboratory stage, to the commercialization and mass production stage, and can be interpreted as a ‘blueprint’ to begin production after 2025.
Samsung SDI LFP features were also outlined. To overcome the fact that it is a latecomer in the
LFP field , it is attempting to differentiate itself with LMFP batteries mixed with manganese (M). Adding manganese to LFP products can improve energy capacity and improve battery performance while maintaining safety at an affordable price.
The company is also designing the LFP battery cell thickness to be about 70 millimeters (mm). Considering that Samsung SDI’s rectangular battery cell thickness is 30-40mm, it is about twice as thick, and is interpreted as an attempt to strengthen output, which is a shortcoming of LFP .
Samsung SDI made official the news of LFP development early this year . Samsung SDI President Choi Yoon- ho said in response to questions from reporters at the general shareholders’ meeting, “ LFP is an important product, and we are working hard to prepare for it.” Samsung SDI later unveiled the LFP battery for the first time at the German Motor Show in September , and is rapidly taking steps toward mass production.
LFP batteries are cheaper than nickel, cobalt, manganese ( NCM ) products produced by domestic companies, so their market presence is expanding mainly in mid- to low-priced vehicles. According to the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, LFP’s
share in the global battery market rose from 11% in 2020 to 31% last year. There are predictions that it will exceed 40% by 2030. The country currently leading the LFP battery market is China. China’s CATL and BYD are increasing supply of LFP batteries by taking advantage of price competitiveness. Domestic companies focusing on NCM batteries are also in a situation where they need to respond to LFP , and have raised the flag to target the market.