SK On Constructs Solid-State Battery Pilot Factory

According to South Korean media reports, on September 16, South Korean electric vehicle battery manufacturer SK On announced that it has established a pilot plant for all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) in Daejeon, about 140 kilometers south of Seoul.

On September 15, the pilot factory held its completion ceremony, attended by SK On President Lee Seok-hee, Head of SK On Future Technology Institute Park Ki-soo, and Andreas Maier, Manager of Solid Power's Korean branch. Last year, SK On established a partnership with Solid Power, a solid-state battery technology developer based in Colorado, USA, to accelerate the development and commercialization of solid-state batteries.

Image source: SK On

SK On President Jee Dong-seob stated in a statement: "This pilot plant will serve as an important cornerstone to propel SK into becoming a company with strong adaptability, capable of achieving leapfrog development regardless of changes in the business environment." He also added, "We will take the lead in commercializing all-solid-state batteries to accelerate the advent of the electrification era."

The newly established pilot plant will produce sulfide-based solid-state battery samples for customers to conduct quality and performance verification assessments. The plant will also focus on developing lithium metal all-solid-state batteries, which can significantly enhance energy density and achieve both weight and volume optimization by using lithium metal anodes instead of traditional graphite anodes.

SK On confirmed that the new pilot plant, covering an area of 4,600 square meters, will be the first in South Korea to adopt the "no-heat isostatic pressing technology" production process. This process can apply uniform pressure to the electrodes at high temperatures to enhance the energy density and performance of the batteries.

The company plans to commence commercial production of solid-state batteries at another plant in 2029, one year ahead of the previously announced schedule. According to the commercialization roadmap, the energy density of the company's first mass-produced batteries will reach 800 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L), with further increases to 1000 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L) to follow.

SK On is engaging in collaborative research through various partnerships while also conducting independent research to develop next-generation battery technology. In May of this year, the company collaborated with a research team from Hanyang University in Korea to successfully extend the lifespan of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries to three times the original by applying protective film technology to lithium metal anodes. It is reported that patent applications for this technology have been completed both domestically and internationally.