Samsung SDI spent 800 billion won on R&D last year…EV batteries are also at a super gap

Input 2021.03.09 17:17 | Revision 2021.03.09 17:21

It was found that Samsung SDI spent more than 800 billion won on R&D last year. It is the largest company ever. In the midst of fierce competition for next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries, the intention is to widen the technology gap through active R&D.

According to Samsung SDI’s business report on the 9th, last year’s R&D cost was 808.3 billion won, an increase of 13.4% compared to 7125 billion won last year. The ratio of R&D expenditure to sales was 7.1% last year, and has been increasing every year since 2017.

Much of the R&D cost seems to have been concentrated on the development of the 5th generation EV battery, which is scheduled for mass production in the second half of this year. The fifth-generation battery is a technology that aims to greatly improve EV mileage by grafting high-nickel anode technology with a nickel content of 88% or more.

Earlier in 2016, Samsung SDI unveiled a high-capacity battery technology that can run 600km on a single charge. Then, in 2017, it secured a technology that goes 500km with 20 minutes charging through rapid charging of high-capacity batteries.

Samsung SDI is also accelerating the development of an all-solid-state battery with a low risk of explosion and a long life. Unlike conventional batteries using liquid electrolytes, all-solid batteries use solid electrolytes to enhance safety. It aims for mass production in 2027.

Samsung SDI’s facility investment (CAPAX) last year was 1.571.9 trillion won. They spent 1,465.3 billion won and 106.6 billion won each in the energy solutions and electronic materials sectors.

This year, it plans to invest about 1 trillion won in the Hungarian subsidiary to expand the battery plant, focusing on the battery business, and make facility investments in all business areas.