Samsung SDI unveils super-gap battery tech aimed at Chinese market

South Korea's leading secondary battery maker Samsung SDI Co. is setting its sights on China's battery market with its super-gap solid-state battery technology.

The company unveiled its latest battery innovations, including its roadmap for the mass production of solid-state batteries, at this year's Shanghai International Motor Show, aka Auto Shanghai 2023 on April 18. Solid-state batteries are known as the "dream battery" due to their nearly fireproof qualities.

Samsung SDI has completed a pilot line for the production of solid-state batteries in its research center in Suwon and plans to begin mass production in 2027. The company's solid-state battery technology was showcased at the private booth during the motor show, highlighting the technology's potential for revolutionizing the battery industry.

In addition to solid-state batteries, Samsung SDI also introduced several state-of-the-art technologies, including the P6, a 6th-generation prismatic battery that can charge over 80% in just 10 minutes. The P6, scheduled for mass production in 2024, boasts over a 10% improvement in energy density compared to its predecessor, the P5, and features a higher nickel content of 91% in the cathode and silicon in the anode.

Samsung SDI's physical product of the 46 mm diameter large cylindrical battery, called a game changer, was also showcased at the event. This new platform maximizes performance by enlarging the size of the existing cylindrical battery. Additionally, the company has introduced its battery brand, PRiMX, for the first time in the Chinese market, expanding its reach and strengthening its position in the industry.

Write to Sung-Su Bae at baebae@hankyung.com