Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have initiated a collaborative project to develop lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode material manufacturing technology in South Korea. Partnering with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM, a leading cathode material manufacturer, the four-year initiative aims to synthesize cathode materials directly, eliminating the need for precursors in LFP battery production. This approach is expected to reduce hazardous emissions during manufacturing and lower production costs.
Supported by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy as part of the ‘LFP Battery Technology Development’ initiative, the project also seeks to enhance cathode material performance by enabling fast charging technology and improving charging and discharging efficiency at low temperatures.
“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 internalizing necessary technologies,” said Soonjoon Jung, Vice President and Head of the Electrification and Driving Materials Development Group at Hyundai Motor and Kia.
Traditionally, LFP battery cathode materials are produced by adding lithium to precursor materials like phosphate and iron sulfate. The proposed direct synthesis process simultaneously combines phosphate, iron powder, and lithium without creating a separate precursor. This streamlines production, reduces the emission of hazardous substances, and lowers costs.
To increase production efficiency, the project emphasizes the importance of impurity-free and uniformly sized raw materials. Hyundai Motor and Kia, in collaboration with Hyundai Steel, plan to develop high-purity fine iron powder processing technology using domestically recycled iron. EcoPro BM will utilize this technology to produce directly synthesized LFP battery cathode materials from iron powder.
This initiative represents a significant collaboration connecting the steel, battery, and automotive industries. By integrating technologies across these sectors, Hyundai Motor and Kia aim to drive advancements in the EV market.
Earlier this year, both companies announced their commitment to enhancing the capabilities, performance, safety, and cost competitiveness of their electric vehicles, underscoring their long-term strategies to advance EV battery technology.
Source: Hyundai – Newsroom
