Aims to synthesise materials directly without creating a precursor for LFP battery cathode material production
Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation this week launched a joint project with Hyundai Steel Company and local EV battery materials producer Eco Pro BM to develop new cathode materialsfor lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) said the four year project, which is supported by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy under its LFP Battery Technology Development initiative, aims to synthesise materials directly without creating a precursor for LFP battery cathode material production.
Soonjoon Jung, head of HMG’s Electrification and Driving Materials Development Group, said in a statement: “To meet future demand in the EV market, rapid technological development and effective battery supply chain establishment are essential. Through this project, we aim to reduce import reliance and enhance the technological competitiveness of the country and Hyundai Motor Group by internalising necessary technologies.”
HMG said: “LFP battery cathode materials are traditionally produced by adding lithium to precursor materials like phosphate and iron sulphate. The direct synthesis process simultaneously adds phosphate, iron powder and lithium without creating a separate precursor. This eliminates the precursor production step, reducing hazardous substance emissions during manufacturing and lowering production costs. The direct synthesis process is environmentally friendly and cost-competitive compared to conventional processes. However, to increase production efficiency, ensuring impurity free and uniformly sized raw materials is crucial.”
HMG will work with Hyundai Steel to develop high purity fine iron powder processing technologies using domestically recycled iron. The automaker will work with EcoPro BM to use this material to develop directly synthesised LFP battery cathode materials.
HMG added: “The aim is to develop LFP cathode material that enables fast charging and exhibits high level charging and discharging performance at low temperatures. By integrating technologies in the LFP battery material field, HMG aims to spearhead advancements in the EV market.”
Earlier this year HMG announced it was actively looking to enhance its battery capabilities, performance, safety and cost competitiveness as part of its long term EV strategy.
Local reports earlier this week, citing sources close to the company, suggested that HMG is looking to “internalise” EV battery technologies and is looking to build a pilot production line for prototype EV batteries by 2027 at its R&D centre in Anseong, in South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province.
Hyundai would then look to outsource commercial battery production to existing battery suppliers such as SK On. If the project succeeds, HMG would be able to improve production efficiency and competitiveness by installing tailor made batteries in its EVs.
Source from Just Auto
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