Samsung SDI showcases micromobility battery lineup at Chinese bicycle fair

Samsung SDI employees present cylindrical battery products at the 32nd China International Bicycle Fair that kicked off in Shanghai for a four-day run on Sunday. [SAMSUNG SDI]

Samsung SDI showcased its cylindrical battery innovations at the 32nd China International Bicycle Fair, or China Cycle 2024, which kicked off in Shanghai on Sunday.

Under the theme "Already, All Ready!," the Samsung battery maker presented a range of cylindrical batteries optimized for micromobility electrification in its lineup.

Samsung SDI unveiled a variety of models along with its mainstay 21700 cylindrical battery, measuring 21 millimeters (0.82 inches) in diameter and 70 millimeters in height. These batteries featured high-capacity, 20 watt-hour models designed for a longer driving range and built with high-nickel cathode materials, consisting of over 90 percent nickel to increase capacity by 10 percent or more. The company utilized a new material to ensure over 4,000 cycles of longevity in its long-life battery products, which also come with a quick-charging feature.

"Building on its strength in cylindrical cell technology, Samsung SDI bids to target the micromobility market with tabless-design products as well as 46-phi batteries," the company said. The tabless cells have extended current paths that enable higher output capability.

Samsung SDI topped the electric bicycle market with a 31 percent share in 2023, according to market researcher TSR. The volume of the electric bicycle battery market was estimated to be around 1 billion cells as of last year, with an annual growth rate of 4 percent. Further growth is anticipated in 2024.

Cycle China, running for four days until Wednesday, is one of four major events organized by the China Bicycle Association. This year's event attracted around 1,700 businesses as participants, which is a 40-percent increase from last year's scale.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]