Battery alliance between Hyundai-Kia and Korean cell makers

The five companies have already worked together for a year in a “Battery Safety Task Force” set up by Hyundai and Kia. At the Namyang Research Centre, the partners have now presented their first results and confirmed in a newly signed memorandum of understanding that they will continue and deepen their cooperation.

According to The Korea Herald, the background to this initiative is a major fire in Incheon in 2024 caused by EV batteries, which triggered a public debate in Korea and also prompted government involvement. Hyundai-Kia then initiated the Battery Safety Task Force, which began its work a year ago. The group includes staff from all areas, such as R&D, production, quality and patents. The three Korean battery majors LGES, Samsung SDI and SK On subsequently joined the effort.

The partnership focuses on five areas: new safety patents, digital battery passports, design quality, production quality and fire prevention technologies. The project on digital battery passports is specifically a response to new EU regulations.

The newly signed memorandum of understanding also provides for intensified joint research and the sharing of patent rights. Hyundai Motor Group underlined that this is the first time a domestic carmaker and battery manufacturers have joined forces “to secure world-class safety technology.” The group also stated the aim is to “strengthen national competitiveness.” The announcement is widely seen as a signal to China, as Korean battery makers face increasing pressure from Chinese rivals.

“This collaboration was possible thanks to the will of Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, and battery companies’ management, the dedication and expertise of our researchers, and the support of government agencies,” said Yang Hee-won, President of Hyundai Motor Company-Kia R&D Division. “We will continue to work closely with battery companies to create safer and more reliable electric vehicles.”

Kim Dong-myung, CEO of LG Energy Solution, said, “The global electric vehicle battery market is a ‘national competition,’ and the way for us to survive is cooperation beyond competition.” He added, “The government and companies must become one team, and LG Energy Solution will also run until the end to ensure Korea’s future competitiveness.”

Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun added, “This collaboration is not a simple technological improvement, but an advancement that redefines industrial safety standards and technological direction, and is a responsible change for the entire ecosystem.” He added, “Based on this experience, Samsung SDI will develop safer and more sustainable battery technology and contribute to the advancement of the industry.” Based on this experience, Samsung SDI will develop safer and more sustainable battery technology and contribute to the progress of the industry.

SK On CEO Lee Seok-hee said, “It is very meaningful that the three K-battery companies have joined forces with Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors to ensure the safety of electric vehicle batteries,” and “We expect that this collaboration will lead to a leap forward in battery safety quality, and SK On will continue to do its best to develop safe batteries that customers can trust.”

electrek.co, hyundai.co.kr, koreaherald.com

This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.