SK Innovation Co. unveiled new innovative electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies at InterBattery 2021, South Korea’s biggest battery industry-specialized exhibition. SK Innovation would present its exceptional battery technologies in detail for this year’s trade fair, highlighting the most vital EV battery requirements.
Since its launch in 2013, InterBattery has promoted technological developments in small-sized batteries for mobile device usage and medium to large-sized batteries for automotive and energy industries. The South Korean energy company has also been participating in the exhibit since 2019.
Exclusive, Unrivaled Tech
At the front of its booth, SK Innovation placed various EV models that employed its batteries. The company also said that the layout reinforced its first-class battery quality, ensuring that global automakers trust its products and technologies.
Some of the EVs that equip SK Innovation’s batteries include Ford Motors’ F-150, Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, and Kia Motors’ EV6. Moreover, the IONIQ 5 installed SK Innovation’s NCM8, a battery composed of 80% nickel, the industry’s current highest level. The EV6 also incorporated the same battery as the previously mentioned model.
Meanwhile, F-150, Ford’s flagship truck model and the booth’s centerpiece, applied the NCM9, the most powerful lithium-ion battery at present. SK Innovation’s NCM9 contains an approximate 90% nickel proportion, delivering the best possible battery output and driving range. Although NCM9 is hard to mass-produce due to its high energy, SK Innovation successfully produced it using exclusive advanced technologies.
Three Core Themes
“We will lead the battery market by continuously developing innovative technologies such as safety, high-speed charging, and long driving range,” said Jee Dong-Seob, Head of SK Innovation’s Battery Business. Accordingly, three core themes, ‘Safer than Ever,’ ‘Faster than Ever,’ and ‘Longer than Ever,’ took up SK Innovation’s booth forefront.
The company showcased two key technologies in the ‘Safer than Ever’ section, revealing how it safely developed high-performing batteries. First, SK IE Technology, SK Innovation’s battery materials unit, developed an ultra-thin 5-micrometer separator.
Ultra-thin separators enable efficient electricity production, generating speedy charging and higher output. Next, SK Innovation introduced Z folding, a technology reducing contact between materials, thereby delivering precise, high-speed manufacturing.
Meanwhile, in the ‘Faster than Ever’ section, SK Innovation displayed its ultra-fast, multi-tab-equipped battery charging technology. The company also presented its post-generation anode and cathode material technologies in the ‘Longer than Ever’ section. These technologies lengthen batteries’ driving range and maximize their internal space efficiency.
Separately, other domestic companies also joined InterBattery, including Samsung SDI Co. and LG Energy Solution. Notably, LG Energy Solution highlighted its latest EV battery innovations, including circular battery ecosystems, all-solid batteries, the NCMA, and more.
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