SK On, a leading global electric vehicle battery manufacturer, will strengthen its partnership with Solid Power, a U.S.-based leading developer of solid-state battery technology, to accelerate the development of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs).

SK On announced today it signed a research and development technology license agreement with Solid Power on the sidelines of CES 2024, the world’s largest technology showcase that ended last week.

Under the agreement, SK On will have the right to use Solid Power’s technologies on ASSB cell design and pilot production processes for research and development purposes. Solid Power will help the South Korean battery maker accelerate the development of ASSBs boasting safety and high performance. The Colorado-based company will also supply sulfide-solid electrolyte to SK On. 

With the latest collaboration, SK On will move forward to establish an ASSB pilot line at its Battery Research Institute in Daejeon, Korea, by 2025. A pilot line refers to a production line to test and validate new products or technologies before mass production. 

SK On Chief Commercial Officer Sung Min-suk and Solid Power Chief Executive Officer John Van Scoter were among the attendees at the signing ceremony that took place at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 10.

SK On aims to develop ASSBs boasting upgraded cycle life and energy density by combining its cell design and production know-how and technologies with that of Solid Power’s in sulfide-based electrolytes and cell solutions. Following their successful collaboration, the two companies also plan to continue cooperation in commercializing ASSBs.

In 2021, SK On agreed to invest US$30 million in Solid Power and jointly develop next-generation ASSBs. Since then, the two companies have been discussing detailed cooperation plans.

ASSB battery refers to a battery that solely uses solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel-based electrolytes. Using solid electrolytes can reduce the risk of fire. As ASSB also decreases the weight and volume of batteries, it can go beyond current capacity limits of lithium-ion batteries.

Established in 2011, Solid Power is recognized as a company developing industry-leading technologies in sulfide-based ASSBs. Particularly, the company is known for its specialty in large capacity cell technologies and solid electrolyte production processes.

SK On has been reinforcing its collaborations with partners to develop technologies for ASSBs in addition to its own R&D programs.