Samsung, the tech giant, has just made an impressive move into the world of batteries, attracting the attention of the entire sector. This South Korean company has lifted the veil on its latest innovations in solid-state batteries, promising a game-changer for electric cars. These new batteries are not only more compact and lighter than their traditional lithium-ion counterparts, they are also much safer.
What happened at SNE Battery Day 2024?
Au SNE Battery Day 2024 in Seoul, Samsung revealed that its pilot line for solid-state batteries is now fully operational. This is a big blow for the company which is aiming for massive production here 2027. This line, set up last year, has already started sending its first batches to electric car manufacturers for extensive testing.
The mind-blowing specifics of these new batteries have caused a sensation: they can power an electric car on 965 kilometers with a lightning charge time of just 9 minutes. And that's not all: their lifespan reaches 20 answith a breathtaking energy density of 500 Wh/kgalmost twice that of current EV batteries which cap at 270 Wh/kg.
Who will be able to benefit from these innovations?
Despite their exceptional performance, these batteries will first be intended for the “super premium” segment of electric cars due to high manufacturing costs. This niche requires an impressive autonomy of approximately 965 kilometers per recharge. At the same time, Samsung is also working on NCS products rich in nickel to meet the expectations of the premium segment.
But Samsung is not losing sight of the more accessible market and is actively developing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, without cobalt. These alternatives seek to reduce costs while introducing an innovative process to produce dry electrodes. The objective is clear: put into massive production as soon as 2026 models capable of being recharged quickly in 9 minutes.
What obstacles still stand?
The limited availability of charging infrastructure, however, remains a big obstacle to the democratization of vehicles equipped with these new technologies. In China for example, some manufacturers already offer speeds equivalent to those reaching up to 600kWthus highlighting the urgent need for rapid development in this area.
At the same time, there is a growing trend towards extending the lifespan of batteries. Players like CATL have already put the famous “million mile batteries” on the market, aiming for longevity similar to that promised by Samsung: 20 ans.
How does Samsung plan to fare in this fierce competition?
In this ultra-competitive environment dominated by Chinese manufacturers, Samsung must do well to keep its place. Its ambitious vision of extending battery life while aligning prices with popular segments represents a colossal but crucial challenge for its future.
With these major technological advances and its ambitious plans for tomorrow, Samsung could well redesign the standards of the electric automobile world. As the company continues to innovate and adapt its strategies in the face of infrastructural and competitive challenges, it invites us all to see how this new technological era could change our daily lives.
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