Samsung SDI sets up solid-state battery line

Samsung SDI's R&D center in Suwon, Gyeonggi [SAMSUNG SDI]

Samsung SDI is setting up a pilot production line for solid-state batteries, a type of battery that is yet to be commercialized but could prove to be more energy efficient and safer than widely used lithium-ion batteries.

It will be the first Korean battery company to set up a production line for that type.

The battery maker said Monday it started building the pilot production line, dubbed the S Line, at its research and development center in Suwon, Gyeonggi.

The production line will use 6,500 square meters of space, according to the company.

Solid-state batteries are often described as “dream” batteries because they are higher in energy density and use lithium instead of graphite or silicon for their anodes. They also use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, which greatly reduces the risk of fire.

They've sparked a lot of hope in the electric vehicle (EV) industry as they may offer 800 kilometers or more on a single charge, twice as long as what’s available at the moment with lithium-ion batteries.

The S Line will be responsible for manufacturing solid electrolytes as well as assembling battery cells that make up the battery modules.

“The S Line will act as a stepping stone for Samsung SDI to become the No. 1 player in the industry by achieving quality-based growth and profitability,” Choi Yoon-ho, CEO of Samsung SDI said.

Samsung SDI had 4.5 percent of the world's EV battery market last year, making it the sixth largest manufacturer in the world.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]