GlobalData recently attended the prestigious 2025 InterBattery event held in Seoul, Korea from March 5-7, 2025. The event saw a total of 688 exhibitors participating, including prominent Korean battery cell manufacturers, raw material providers, and manufacturing equipment suppliers. Simultaneously, the Korean Battery Industry Association (KBIA) organized The Battery Conference (TBA) at the same venue.
One of the major highlights of the event was the presence of leading Korean battery manufacturers such as Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, and SK On. These companies showcased their latest innovation, the high-nickel 46xx-series cylindrical cells. These cells are expected to see a surge in demand, especially in automotive applications, due to their superior thermal management systems and higher energy density compared to traditional pouch cells.
In addition to nickel-based batteries, Korean manufacturers also displayed their commitment to providing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. LG Energy Solution and SK On have developed in-house LFP pouch cells, while Samsung SDI is exploring LFP prismatic cells. The industry anticipates that LFP batteries will cater to the entry-level segment of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in the near future.
Furthermore, solid-state and sodium-ion batteries were also key topics of discussion at the event. Samsung SDI is currently testing sodium-ion battery production and plans to start mass production by 2027. The company is also set to begin pilot production of solid-state batteries this year, with commercialization expected around 2029-30. Similarly, LG Energy Solution unveiled its next-generation battery roadmap, which includes the introduction of sodium-ion, semi-solid-state, and all-solid-state batteries by 2027, 2028, and 2030, respectively.
Despite the innovative strides made by Korean manufacturers, there are some challenges on the horizon. The slowdown in BEV production in Europe and the influx of Chinese-built BEVs pose a threat to Korean battery penetration in the market. Additionally, potential policy changes under the Trump 2.0 administration in the US could impact the industry, particularly in terms of revisions to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
However, there is optimism regarding the continued growth of BEV demand in Europe, driven by stringent CO2 emission targets and the availability of more affordable electric vehicles. In the US, automakers are adjusting their electrification strategies, with a focus on Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) alongside BEVs. The tensions and tariffs between the US and China also present an opportunity for Korean battery manufacturers to strengthen their presence in the market.
In conclusion, the outlook for the hybrid and electric vehicle market is promising. GlobalData’s forecasts indicate a steady increase in BEV adoption in both the European and US markets. With ongoing advancements in battery technology and changing market dynamics, Korean manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle industry.
