SK On to expand workforce for 4680 cylindrical batteries

SK On Co., the world’s fifth-largest electric vehicle battery maker, is set to increase its workforce for large-size cylindrical batteries with the 4680 form factor to meet demand from major EV makers such as Tesla Inc.

The South Korean battery maker is seeking experienced engineers and fresh doctoral graduates for the entire battery production process including cells, equipment, processes and components, according to industry sources on Sunday.

SK On is looking for experts on the 46-millimeter cylindrical cells, especially, as well as prismatic form factors, the sources said. The company has yet to limit the number of hires and the period of recruitment with plans to offer top-level salaries in the industry.

“Latecomer SK On is going all in to acquire talent despite a potential bloody talent war against competitors,” said an industry source.

The subsidiary of the country’s top energy company SK Innovation Co. has been mass-producing only pouch-type batteries for EVs and other electric devices. SK On’s crosstown rivals LG Energy Solution Ltd. and Samsung SDI Co. are said to be in the advanced stages of developing 4680 cylindrical batteries.

The 4680 battery, which measures 46 millimeters in diameter and 80 mm in length, is seen as a game-changer in the battery industry as it is known to increase energy density by five times and output by six times compared to the conventional 2170 type and boost electric vehicles' mileage by up to 20% on average.

IN TALKS WITH EV MAKERS

SK On, which established a task force in the second half of last year to develop a cylindrical battery, was reportedly in talks with EV makers on the production, industry sources said.

Chey Jae-won, executive senior vice chairman of SK On, confirmed last month for the first time that the company was developing the battery.

“We have made quite a lot of progress on cylindrical battery development,” Chey said on the sidelines of the Consumer Electric Show (CES) 2024, the world’s largest annual tech trade show in Las Vegas.

Tesla, the world’s No. 2 electric car manufacturer, is using 4680 cells made in-house for its vehicles but seeking to secure more from other suppliers as it increases EV production.

Some automakers, including BMW Group, General Motors Co. and Stellantis N.V. are gradually adopting the 4680 cylindrical type given its benefits.

Write to Woo-Sub Kim at duter@hankyung.com
 
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.