South Korean battery material manufacturer Ecopro is in discussions to supply materials for sodium-based batteries to a South Korean carmaker, according to reports from local media. The company has expressed readiness to produce these materials immediately, pending demand.
While the specific carmaker and timeline for the sodium-ion battery-equipped EVs remain undisclosed, Ecopro’s technology chief, Lee Dongwook, mentioned at the InterBattery Europe Showcase in Munich that the company is prepared to produce sodium-ion battery materials. The only hindrance, he noted, has been the lack of demand.
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“EcoPro believes it has surpassed China in terms of sodium cathode producing technology,” Lee stated, suggesting that the technology could rival the efficiency of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries within the next two to three years.
Sodium-ion batteries offer advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as the abundant availability and low cost of sodium. They are also considered safer and easier to recycle. However, challenges remain in compensating for their lower energy density and scaling up production for industrial use.
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Ecopro recently secured a significant order from battery cell manufacturer Samsung SDI for its NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) cathode active materials, valued at approximately 30.9 billion euros. The company aims to produce 710,000 tons of cathodes by 2027, with 180,000 tons planned for production in South Korea. Ecopro is also expanding its operations, with plans to build plants in Hungary and Canada in collaboration with SK On and Ford.
