Samsung SDI ready to develop 'dream batteries' prototype

Samsung SDI CEO Choi Yoon-ho talks during an event celebrating the company's 53rd anniversary in Yongin, Gyeonggi, on Thursday. [SAMSUNG SDI]

Samsung SDI has completed the construction of its pilot plant for solid-state batteries and is set to produce a prototype in the second half of the year.

"This year, Samsung SDI is in the stage of implementation to get closer to our vision, and is ready to produce a sample of all-solid-state batteries in the second half of the year," Samsung SDI CEO Choi Yoon-ho said at an event celebrating the company's 53rd anniversary.

The 6,500-square-meter (1.6-acre) pilot plant in Suwon, Gyeonggi, is the first of its kind in the world.

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 is developing solid-state batteries that can run 800 kilometers (497 miles) per charge and that have an extended life cycle that can be charged over 1,000 times. Their commercialization is planned for 2027.

Choi also added that SDI "finished the construction of a plant of cylindrical batteries 46 millimeters in diameter." The height of the battery has not been decided yet.

Tesla previously announced that it will use the “4680” cylindrical battery, which indicates batteries that are 46 millimeters in diameter and 80 millimeters in height. They have a higher energy density than existing batteries, reducing battery costs by 50 percent.

Such batteries are considered next-generation as other global automakers like BMW and Stellantis have chosen cylindrical batteries for their future EVs.

“Though Samsung SDI has not decided the height yet, it is certain that the company is targeting Tesla, the unrivaled No. 1 EV maker in the global market,” said Lee Ho-geun, an automotive engineering professor at Daeduk University.

Samsung SDI recently announced that it will jointly invest at least $3 billion with General Motors to build an EV battery plant in Indiana. It is already building a $2.5 billion battery plant in Kokomo, Indiana, with Stellantis.

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