It has been confirmed that Northvolt has started developing the next-generation solid-state battery. It is understood as a model in which battery performance and safety have been strengthened by replacing the existing liquid electrolyte with a solid and using a lithium metal anode material. Northvolt is introducing its own solid-state technology to domestic material, parts, and equipment (minor manager) companies and is promoting collaboration. It is said that lithium metal type anode material will be applied to the product. It is an attempt to improve battery energy performance by using a lithium metal material instead of a copper current collector that stores the anode active material. Overseas battery companies such as SolidEnergy Systems in the United States are developing lithium metal batteries based on this technology. Northvolt is also working on changing the electrolyte to a solid state in a lithium metal method.
Solid-state batteries can significantly lower the risk of fire than conventional lithium-ion batteries by changing the electrolyte to a solid. High-level manufacturing technology is required, and the South Korean battery industry has been the leading figure in the development.
Northvolt is Europe's largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer. It has started mass production of electric vehicle batteries at its plant in Sweden and is also building a plant in Germany. It has won battery orders from European automakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Volvo.
It is said that they are also discussing joint development of solid-state batteries with automakers. Some European automakers are pushing for the installation of solid-state batteries. An industry official said, “In Europe, various countries such as Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom have jumped into battery technology development. They are erratically hiring not only South Korean battery manufacturing and development personnel, but also battery production facility personnel.”
By Staff Reporter Ji-woong Kim jw0316@etnews.com