Korea’s Battery Makers Embrace LFP Cells as China Strides Ahead
LFP batteries are cheaper but have a lower energy density in cold climates. Korean firms have historically shunned the technology for that reason.
LG Energy Solution’s booth at the InterBattery exhibition in Seoul in March. Korea’s battery makers are starting to embrace LFP technology.
Photographer: Jean Chung/BloombergSouth Korea’s battery giants have to date mainly focused on nickel cells and largely neglected research into iron-based cells, which China favors, citing their poorer performance at low temperatures. Recent technology developments at Chinese rivals, however, is changing that perception.
Korea’s three key battery makers — LG Energy Solution Ltd., Samsung SDI Co. and SK On Co. — are leaning into so-called lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology as fast as they can, according to Byoungwoo Kang, a professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology who conducts research with Korean cell firms. The most “passionate” player appears to be SK On, Kang said, as it tries to boost its market share.