InterBattery 2024 to highlight 'dream batteries,' ultra-fast charging

Korean battery makers will showcase lighter, faster and longer-lasting battery technologies at InterBattery 2024.

Samsung SDI employees pose with mockups of a solid-state battery. The company will unveil a road map for the product at InterBattery 2024, which kicks off on Wednesday at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. [SAMSUNG SDI]

Lighter, faster and longer — InterBattery 2024 will be an opportunity for Korean battery makers to prove how prepared they are to compete in the cutthroat EV battery scene.

Samsung SDI said Tuesday that it will unveil a road map for the mass production of its solid-state batteries with 900 watt-hours per liter (0.26 gallons) of energy density for the first time at the battery show, which kicks off on Wednesday at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul.

A mock-up of the solid-state batteries will also be on display at the three-day show.

Solid-state batteries are touted as “dream batteries” for their high energy density and safety. They have yet to be commercialized by any battery company or auto manufacturer.

Samsung SDI aims to commercialize the technology by 2027. The Korean battery maker is currently producing samples of solid-state batteries at its 6,500-square-meter (1.6-acre) pilot plant in Suwon, Gyeonggi, the first of its kind in the world.

A rendered image of LG Energy Solution's booth at the InterBattery 2024, which kicks off on Wednesday at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. [LG ENERGY SOLUTION]

The product's energy density is 40 percent higher than that of P5, Samsung SDI's own prismatic battery product that is currently under production, according to the company.

Samsung SDI is also slated to unveil its ultrafast charging technology that is purported to charge from 8 percent to 80 percent in just nine minutes, an unprecedented speed.

The Korean battery maker will also unveil plans to develop and mass-produce batteries that last longer than 20 years by 2029.

“Our preparations for mass producing next-generation products of various form factors such, as all solid-state batteries, are well underway as we are set to lead the global battery market with our unrivaled 'super-gap' technology,” said Samsung SDI CEO Choi Yoon-ho. “InterBattery 2024 is a chance to observe Samsung SDI's differentiated technologies as well as an endeavor to make the world greener and sustainable through our innovative technology.”

LG Energy Solution, claiming the largest booth at the event, will display its latest cell-to-pack technology. Cell-to-pack technology enables more cells to be packed into a battery, allowing manufacturers to reduce weight and cost while boosting energy density.

LG Energy Solution will also unveil compact high-voltage mid-nickel pouch cells, a cost-saving product.

SK On's upgraded Super Fast battery will be on display at the InterBattery 2024, which kicks off on Wednesday at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. [SK ON]

SK On will show off its advanced Super Fast high-nickel batteries that it says can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes. Its energy density has been increased by 9 percent from its predecessor.

A mock-up of a Winter Pro LFP battery will also be on display, which improves the energy density of the battery by 19 percent in winter. LFP batteries' density is usually cut by up to 70 percent in cold weather.

“This year's InterBattery will be a significant milestone for Korean battery makers to enrich the substance and discover new springboards amid unstable situations,” said Park Tae-sung, vice chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association. “InterBattery 2024 will be a global platform to share the latest technology and market insights.”

This year's InterBattery, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and organized by the Korea Battery Industry Association, will be the largest in the event's history, with a total of 579 companies from 18 countries participating.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]