SK On has moved staff that focused on prismatic batteries to its research team for 4680 cylinder batteries, TheElec has learned.
The battery type is being developed by almost all major lithium-ion battery makers such as LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and Panasonic as well as Chinese battery makers as it is used by Tesla for their electric vehicles.
SK On had so far manufactured only pouch-type batteries and supplied them for EVs and energy storage systems.
The 4680 battery team is led by advanced process development head Lee Seung-roh.
The future equipment task force is also supporting the team, which plans to build a production line for research in January.
SK On will decide next year whether it will commercially manufacture the battery type.
More and more EV makers are changing the battery they use from pouch type to cylinder and prismatic types.
Samsung SDI is collaborating with General Motors to supply cylinder batteries for the US car giant’s new EV models.
BMW and Volvo are also planning to use prismatic and cylinder batteries in their future vehicles.
SK On is likely starting the development of 4680 batteries due to requests from customers.
