Hyundai is about to take the next steps as it preps to launch production of its “game-changing” all-solid-state batteries. The new EV battery tech promises a longer driving range, faster charging, and significantly higher energy density. Here’s what to expect.
When are Hyundai’s all-solid-state EV batteries coming?
Last June, Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon revealed a massive $7.3 billion (9.5 trillion won) investment to advance electric vehicle battery development over the next decade.
Hyundai plans to develop various EV batteries, including LFP, NCM, and all-solid-state, to cover a wide range of segments. According to sources familiar with the matter (via TheKoreanCarBlog), Hyundai’s all-solid-state EV batteries are about to hit a significant milestone.
On December 23, industry sources claimed Hyundai was almost done establishing an all-solid-state battery production demo line.
An official close to the project said the equipment for individual processes is almost complete. Now, only the logistics automation portion remains.
Hyundai plans to begin testing electric vehicles with all-solid-state batteries by 2025. By the end of the decade, mass production is scheduled to start.
The production line is at Hyundai’s Uiwang Research & Development Center in Korea. Hyundai has 22 joint research projects across four divisions, including lithium metal batteries, solid-state batteries, battery management systems, and battery process technology. Of these, 14 will be related to lithium metal and solid-state batteries.
Hyundai said the initiatives will “pave the way for South Korea to become one of the world’s leading battery technology houses.”
In September, Hyundai and Kia launched a joint project to develop a precursor for LFP battery cathode material for upcoming lower-priced EV models. Hyundai plans to launch EVs with LFP batteries developed in-house in 2025.
The news comes after Honda unveiled its all-solid-state battery demo production line just last month. Honda also plans to launch EVs powered by the new battery tech by 2030.
Factorial, which teamed up with Mercedes-Benz, announced its “Solstice” all-solid-state battery cells have been scaled to 40Ah capacity, a new milestone. With “breakthrough” energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg, Factorial claims its battery tech can boost EV range by up to 80%, or around 600 miles.
Electrek’s Take
With the promise of unlocking more range and faster charging at a much higher energy density, many carmakers and other companies are rushing to unlock all-solid-state EV batteries.
Global battery leaders like CATL, BYD, and Samsung SDI, as well as carmakers like Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai, are advancing the new technology. However, concerns over safety and manufacturing hurdles remain a challenge.
According to the latest SNE Research figures, China’s CATL remains the global EV battery leader with a commanding 36.8% share of the market through the first ten months of 2024. BYD was second with a 16.8% share, while Korea’s LG Energy placed third with an 11.8% share.
Will the next generation of EV batteries shake up the list? Hyundai hopes to make its mark with a new all-solid-sate EV battery production pilot line that will be coming online soon.