Samsung SDI invested a record high of 808.3 billion won in R&D last year. A large portion of the investment went to the development of advanced technologies so that the driving ranges, ease of charging and prices of electric vehicles can be improved.

The company is planning to begin the mass production of fifth-generation EV batteries in the second half of this year. According to the company, the batteries are characterized by providing a longer driving range by using the high-nickel technology, that is, a nickel content of at least 88 percent, and being reduced in cost based on a decrease in the content of cobalt as a rare metal.

In addition, Samsung SDI is planning to begin the mass production of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) in 2027. An ASSB is currently the most advanced type of battery and overcomes the shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries such as the risk of explosion, size and service life.

Samsung SDI’s capital expenditure other than the R&D investment totaled 1.6 trillion won last year. For the past three years, the company spent an average of 21 percent of related sales on battery-related facilities. This year, Samsung SDI will expand its battery manufacturing facilities in Hungary by investing approximately one trillion won.

This article is reproduced at www.businesskorea.co.kr