POSCO Future M Begins NCA Cathode Production Ahead of Schedule to Support EV Battery Market

POSCO Future M Co. has commenced production of nickel, cobalt, aluminum (NCA) cathode materials at its Pohang factory, achieving this milestone three months earlier than anticipated. The company announced on October 12 that it successfully produced high-nickel materials with an 88% nickel content, which are designed to enhance energy density and output for high-performance electric vehicle batteries.

The Pohang facility is POSCO Future M’s first dedicated NCA cathode plant, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 tons. This expansion follows a significant 40 trillion won supply agreement signed with Samsung SDI in January 2023, allowing the company to supply NCA materials from its existing Gwangyang plant.

To further increase its production capabilities, a new NCA plant with a capacity of 52,500 tons is set to be completed in Gwangyang, raising the company’s total NCA output to 82,500 tons by next year. This diversification aims to meet the growing demand for various cathode materials, as POSCO Future M adds NCA materials alongside its existing lines of nickel, cobalt, manganese (NCM), and nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum (NCMA).

A company representative highlighted the intention to expand production of single-crystal cathode materials, which are gaining traction due to the demand for high-performance electric vehicles. Single-crystal cathodes improve battery stability and lifespan by integrating raw materials into a single-particle structure.

POSCO Future M has set a target for a total NCA capacity of 248,500 tons by 2026, aiming to strengthen its position in the evolving electric vehicle market.