Hyundai Motor Company and Kia have joined forces with South Korean battery manufacturers LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On to advance electric-vehicle battery safety. On March 22, executives from each automaker and battery producer gathered at Hyundai·Kia’s Namyang Research Center in Hwaseong to report on a year of joint research and to formalize an agreement for continued collaboration.
This initiative marks the first time a country’s leading automakers and battery suppliers have united to pursue the highest global standards in EV battery safety. The collaboration began last August, when Hyundai and Kia proposed forming a dedicated Battery Safety Task Force (TFT) that would include specialists in research and development, production processes, quality assurance and intellectual property. The three battery companies accepted the invitation, and over the following year, the TFT identified five key areas for cooperative development:
- Safety Patents
Partners are sharing proprietary safety technologies—such as materials, cell designs and structural components—to mitigate abnormal cell degradation and prevent short circuits. Initial shared patents include advanced cell isolation features, with plans to expand the patent portfolio. - Digital Battery Passport
In response to emerging European regulations, the group is building a digital system to trace battery life-cycle data from production through recycling. The passport will adhere to international standards and incorporate additional safety-related metrics. - Design Quality
By applying robust design principles, the TFT aims to validate potential fire triggers and improve cell architecture. Updated verification criteria and enhanced design controls will be integrated into the cell design process. - Manufacturing Quality
The collaboration includes joint reviews of cell production lines to increase stability and reduce defect rates. Future plans call for an intelligent manufacturing management system that employs AI-driven analytics on process data. - Firefighting Technology
Working with the National Fire Agency’s research arm, the partners are sharing cell-level data to refine detection systems and test fire suppression methods. They have already submitted joint patent applications and revised EV fire response guidelines.
Although the TFT’s formal term has concluded, Hyundai, Kia and the three battery firms signed a memorandum of understanding to continue developing safety innovations. Leaders from all companies emphasized that this unified approach will help establish new global benchmarks for battery safety and reinforce the competitiveness of Korea’s EV industry.
Source: Hyundai
