Samsung will slowly shift away from producing lithium-ion batteries as its sub-division called Samsung SDI is reportedly developing solid-state batteries with an aim to launch the new technology a few years from now. A new team has also been formed to help the Korean giant reach its intended production goal.

The first Samsung-made solid-state batteries are expected to be found in EVs first, will make their way to smartphones and tablets later

Though solid-state battery technology has existed for a while, mass producing them in the millions has come at an unscalable challenge. According to The Korea Economic Daily, Samsung SDI has formed a new team to commercialize its ASB (All-Solid-State Battery) technology, with the team reportedly being led by Go Joo-young, who is the Vice President of the company's large-scale battery business division. The initial aim is to expedite the launch of the new product.

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that are found in innumerable product types, the solid-state variant behaves differently and is fundamentally more advanced. An ASB completely replaces the electrolyte found in a lithium-ion battery and transfers ions between the positive and negative electrodes, also known as anode and cathode.

A solid-state battery uses solid materials to transfer energy, making it much safer while improving performance. These cells also possess a higher energy density than a conventional lithium-ion battery. Samsung SDI is reportedly focused on developing solid-state batteries with an energy density of over 900 Wh/L. The company will achieve this through the adoption of sulfide-based technology, which can deliver the fastest lithium-ion flow per unit volume.

While all of this sounds exciting, note that this battery technology will likely be manufactured for automakers first for use in their EVs, followed by consumer electronics such as smartphones and tablets. With EV demand picking up steam globally, this market is ripe for growth, and Samsung no doubt wants to capitalize on this opportunity by securing a solidified partnership with several customers of varying categories, starting with automobile companies first.

News Source: The Korea Economic Daily