According to Koreabizwire, South Korea’s top three battery manufacturers—SK On, LG Energy Solution, and Samsung SDI—are ramping up their mid-nickel battery production, responding to shifting electric vehicle (EV) market demands. This move aligns with industry efforts to bridge the current EV market stagnation, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness, performance, and sustainability.
Mid-to-low-cost EVs will dominate 81% of the global market by 2030, with premium vehicles comprising only 19%. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers have surged ahead with cost-competitive lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which now account for 45% of global battery production, up from 25% in 2021.
SK On’s High-Voltage Mid-Nickel Battery Debut at InterBattery 2025
SK On is set to unveil its high-voltage mid-nickel battery at InterBattery 2025, South Korea’s premier battery industry exhibition (March 5–7). These batteries contain 50-70% nickel in their NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) cathodes, striking a balance between energy density, cost, and thermal stability.
By reducing costly nickel and cobalt content, SK On’s new battery achieves cost efficiency without sacrificing energy output. The company integrates advanced cathode interface protection additives, single-crystal active materials, and special doping solutions to improve battery lifespan and safety.
LG Energy Solution’s Expansion in High-Voltage Mid-Nickel Batteries
LG Energy Solution (LGES) has identified high-voltage mid-nickel batteries as a core pillar of its long-term strategy. The company plans to commence mass production in 2025, achieving:
- Energy density of 670Wh/L, improving battery performance.
- 30% better cell stability over conventional designs.
- 8% reduction in cost compared to high-nickel batteries.
In September 2024, LGES showcased its pouch-type high-voltage mid-nickel cell-to-pack (CTP) technology at IAA Transportation 2024, the world’s largest commercial vehicle trade show.
Samsung SDI’s Push for Cobalt-Free NMX Mid-Nickel Batteries
Samsung SDI is expanding its mid-to-low-cost battery portfolio, introducing NMX (cobalt-free) prismatic batteries. The NMX battery, showcased at InterBattery, features:
- Lower nickel content and higher manganese proportion for stability.
- Elimination of cobalt, reducing production costs.
- A focus on compact EV markets, aligning with shifting consumer demand.
Samsung SDI continues developing high-voltage mid-nickel NCM batteries, targeting affordable EV segments while maintaining its premium high-nickel NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) line.
Why Mid-Nickel Batteries Are the Future
Mid-nickel batteries offer a crucial balance between the energy density of high-nickel batteries and the affordability of LFP batteries. This makes them ideal for next-generation EVs, where cost-efficiency and thermal stability are paramount.
Key Market Trends Driving Mid-Nickel Battery Growth
- Cost-Effectiveness: Mid-nickel technology reduces reliance on expensive cobalt and nickel.
- Performance Stability: These batteries provide a safer alternative to high-nickel options.
- EV Market Diversification: Demand for affordable, long-range EVs continues to rise.
- LFP Competition: Chinese manufacturers dominate the LFP sector, compelling South Korean firms to expand their battery portfolios.
South Korean Battery Makers Strengthen Global Strategy
All three South Korean battery giants—SK On, LG Energy Solution, and Samsung SDI—are aligning their business models with evolving EV trends:
- LG Energy Solution is expanding its lineup of pouch and prismatic mid-nickel batteries, ensuring cost-effective solutions for automakers.
- SK On is diversifying its battery chemistry portfolio, balancing LFP and high-nickel technologies.
- Samsung SDI is pursuing a full-spectrum battery strategy, spanning premium high-nickel, mid-nickel, and LFP options.
With global EV sales projected to reach 45 million units annually by 2030, battery manufacturers must prioritize cost efficiency and performance optimization. Mid-nickel technology is set to play a critical role in next-generation EVs, ensuring better affordability, improved range, and sustainable production.
Conclusion: Mid-Nickel Batteries Pave the Way for the Next EV Revolution
The push for cost-effective, high-performance batteries is reshaping the EV battery market, and mid-nickel batteries are at the forefront of this transformation. By integrating mid-nickel NCM technology into their product lines, SK On, LG Energy Solution, and Samsung SDI are addressing growing global demand for affordable EVs, ensuring competitive advantage in the evolving electric mobility landscape.
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