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Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have initiated a four-year project in Korea to develop lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode material manufacturing technology. Collaborating with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM, the endeavor aims to enhance electric vehicle (EV) battery performance, reduce production costs, and minimize environmental impact.
Key Highlights:
- Four-year project to develop LFP battery cathode materials in Korea
- Collaboration with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM
- Direct synthesis process to reduce emissions and costs
- Aim to improve EV battery performance and fast charging capabilities
- Supported by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation are intensifying their efforts to strengthen competitiveness in the future electric vehicle (EV) market. On September 25, the companies launched a collaborative project focused on developing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode material, a crucial component in EV batteries.
In partnership with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM—a leading player in the cathode material market—the initiative aims to synthesize LFP cathode materials directly without the traditional precursor stage. This innovative approach involves adding phosphate, iron (Fe) powder, and lithium simultaneously, effectively eliminating the need for precursor materials like phosphate and iron sulfate. The direct synthesis process is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-competitive, as it reduces hazardous substance emissions during manufacturing and lowers production costs.
The project is supported by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy as part of its ‘LFP Battery Technology Development’ initiative. By internalizing necessary technologies, Hyundai Motor Group seeks to reduce import reliance and enhance the technological competitiveness of both the country and the company.
“To meet future demand in the EV market, rapid technological development and effective battery supply chain establishment are essential,” said Soonjoon Jung, Vice President and Head of the Electrification and Driving Materials Development Group at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “Through this project, we aim to reduce import reliance and enhance the technological competitiveness of the country and Hyundai Motor Group by internalizing necessary technologies.”
A key aspect of the collaboration involves Hyundai Steel developing high-purity fine iron powder processing technology using domestically recycled iron. EcoPro BM will utilize this technology to develop directly synthesized LFP battery cathode material using iron powder raw materials. Ensuring impurity-free and uniformly sized raw materials is crucial for increasing production efficiency in the direct synthesis process.
The ultimate goal is to develop LFP cathode material that enables fast charging technology and exhibits high-level charging and discharging performance at low temperatures. This advancement is expected to significantly improve the performance and safety of EV batteries while also reducing costs.
This collaboration is significant as it connects the steel, battery, and automotive sectors, fostering integration and innovation in the LFP battery material field. By combining expertise from different industries, Hyundai Motor and Kia aim to lead advancements in the EV market.
Earlier this year, both companies announced their commitment to enhancing battery capabilities, performance, safety, and cost competitiveness of EVs as part of their long-term strategies.
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