SK On, a South Korean battery manufacturer, showcased improved versions of its SF cells, first introduced in 2021, at the InterBattery trade fair in Seoul. The company also presented the Winter Pro LFP battery, designed to excel in low-temperature conditions.
The trade fair, held at the Coex Convention & Exhibition Centre, has been ongoing since Wednesday. SK On highlighted improvements in the energy density of its SF cells, which already offered a charging time of 18 minutes for the usual window of ten to 80 per cent. The 2024 version maintains this charging time while boasting a nine per cent increase in energy density. This advancement allows for a longer range with the same battery size or a smaller and more cost-effective battery with the same range.
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SK On achieved this enhancement by shortening the transport path of lithium ions through a special coating process that reduces anode resistance and an anode alignment process. The company also utilized an optimized fast charging protocol to maximize charging speed.
In addition to the Advanced SF Battery, SK On introduced the SF+ Battery, which achieves a charging time of just 15 minutes. The company reduced the transport distance for lithium ions and increased their movement speed, resulting in faster charging.
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SK On also showcased the Winter Pro LFP cell, which offers improved performance in low temperatures. Compared to conventional LFP batteries, the Winter Pro LFP Battery extends the charging and discharging capacity by 16 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, while increasing energy density by 19 per cent. However, further details were not provided.
The trade fair also saw an announcement from South Korean competitor Samsung SDI, which plans to mass-produce solid-state batteries in 2027. While Samsung SDI has been producing prototype cells with solid electrolyte since 2023, this marks the first official statement regarding the start of mass production.
