Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution showcase latest technologies

The Samsung SDI exhibition booth at ‘IAA Transportation 2024’ in Hannover, Germany. (Samsung SDI)

South Korean battery makers Samsung SDI Co. and LG Energy Solution Ltd. unveiled their latest technologies in the commercial electric vehicle sector at the ongoing IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany.

The IAA is one of the largest auto exhibitions globally and alternates its focus between passenger and commercial vehicles each year. The theme for 2024 is commercial vehicles.

Samsung SDI Co. announced on Wednesday that it presented a lineup of next-generation batteries, including LFP+, its lithium iron phosphate battery product optimized for electric commercial vehicles; 46-phi cylindrical batteries, which have a diameter of 46 millimeters; and solid-state batteries.

The LFP+ battery has improved energy density by more than 10 percent compared to conventional LFP batteries, according to the company. It boasts the capability to drive the equivalent of over 1,400 round trips between Hanover and Frankfurt and features fast-charging technology allowing for an 80 percent charge within 20 minutes.

Samsung SDI recently completed the development of this LFP+ battery technology and is in discussions with multiple customers. The company is also aiming to commercialize its all-solid-state batteries by 2027.

For its part, LG Energy Solution Ltd. premiered its next-generation pouch-type high-voltage mid-nickel cell-to-pack (CTP) battery. The new CTP battery has a maximum driving range of up to 600 kilometers for large trucks. It also features lower venting technology that releases heat and gas outside the pack in case of a fire.

Other LG Energy Solution products on display included a cell module with high-content silicon anode material and nickel, cobalt, manganese, and aluminum, or NCMA, products that enhance stability with aluminum in the high-nickel design, at the event. The company also introduced its battery management total solution (BMTS) and battery-as-a-service (BaaS) offerings.