Hyundai Motor Group, Seoul Univ. to jointly develop battery

Hyundai Motor Group opened a joint battery research center at Seoul National University, marking its full-fledged foray into next-generation battery research.

Hyundai Motor Group and Seoul National University held an opening ceremony for the "Joint Battery Research Center" at the university campus on Tuesday, with Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun and President of Seoul National University Ryu Hong-Lim.

"The reason for developing various mobility solutions equipped with high-performance batteries is our sense of responsibility to pass on a sustainable environment to the next generation," Chung said. "Through innovative research and development, we must take the lead in the electrified transformation of the mobility industry."

The Joint Battery Research Center is established by expanding the Seoul National University Institute of Chemical Processes, covering an area of 901 square meters. The center plans to conduct research on advanced battery precursor technologies that can increase the driving range of electric vehicles and reduce charging time.

It will focus on four main areas, including lithium-metal batteries, solid-state batteries, battery management systems and battery process technologies, with a total of 22 joint research projects planned. The center will be led by Prof. Choi Jang-wook of the Seoul National University School of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest over 30 billion won ($23.5 million) in research activities at the center until 2030. Research staff from Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. will be dispatched to the center to maximize synergies. In addition, outstanding students participating in the joint research will be given preferential treatment during their job applications at Hyundai motor and Kia.

Write to Il-Gue Kim at black0419@hankyung.com