Hyundai and Kia are working with Hyundai Steel and cathode materials specialist EcoPro BM on the four-year project. The aim is to directly synthesize LFP battery cathode materials to reduce manufacturing emissions and production costs.
LFP battery cathode materials are generally made by adding lithium to precursor materials such as phosphate and ferrous sulfate. The South Korean vehicle manufacturers and their technology partners want to use the direct synthesis process, in which phosphate, iron powder and lithium are added at the same time, without the need to produce a separate intermediate product. Hyundai explains in its statement about the project that the direct synthesis approach eliminates the step of producing the precursor, thereby reducing pollutant emissions during manufacturing and reducing tracking costs.
Hyundai Steel will be a key player in developing high-purity fine iron powder technology, using iron recycled directly in South Korea, according to Hyundai. EcoPro BM will then be able to use this for directly synthesized LFP cathode material.
While Hyundai Group’s statement said that Hyundai Motor and Kia have announced that they are actively “working to improve the battery capabilities, performance, safety and cost competitiveness of electric vehicles” as part of their long-term strategies, several others Statements from the last 12 months and a look at the international battery situation could provide information about the dynamics of the project.
When BYD introduced its LFP (“Blade”) batteries in 2020, it ushered in a shift in the battery industry, with LFP batteries now more desirable for electric vehicles than other chemical types for a number of reasons, including safety and performance. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated over U.S. dependence on Chinese technologies and materials, triggering a slew of measures forcing U.S. automakers to establish domestic, or at least non-Chinese, supply chains.
At the end of last year it was announced that Hyundai was planning its own LFP battery cells. Earlier this year, Hyundai and Kia announced that they would equip their electric cars in India with LFP batteries from local manufacturer Exide. And just yesterday we reported that Hyundai was apparently setting up its own battery cell pilot production.
“To meet future demand in the electric car market, rapid technological development and the establishment of an effective battery supply chain are essential,” said Soonjoon Jung, vice president and head of electrification and powertrain materials development group at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “With this project, we aim to reduce dependence on imports and improve the technological competitiveness of the country and Hyundai Motor Group by internalizing the necessary technologies,” he explained.
Now it’s about further developing the LFP battery processes outside of China. Hyundai and Kia are well positioned in South Korea, home to some of the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturers outside of China, and have the focus, expertise and industrial environment that can support these efforts.
This article by Carrie Hampel is first in our English language edition electrive.com appeared.
