SK On announced on August 3rd that it has officially renamed its existing 'Battery Research Institute' to the 'Future Technology Institute,' embarking on the full-scale development of next-generation battery technologies such as all-solid-state, LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate), and square-shaped batteries. The name change reflects the company’s strategic focus on 'technology-driven growth,' emphasizing its identity as a technology-centric organization.
Gichoo Park, the first head of the Future Technology Institute and former head of R&D, stated, “As global technological competition intensifies and market changes accelerate, we will leverage a clear R&D strategy to grow SK On into a technology-led enterprise.”
The Future Technology Institute aims to secure a leading position in the global competition for next-generation battery technologies by diversifying chemistry and form factors, including all-solid-state batteries, LFP batteries, and square-shaped batteries. The company has identified short-term core strategies such as enhancing price competitiveness and product safety, and plans to accelerate technological development accordingly.
To ensure cost competitiveness, SK On is advancing cell-to-pack (CTP) technology and commercializing dry electrode processes. CTP technology allows battery cells to be assembled directly into packs without modules, significantly reducing costs. SK On intends to complete the development of LFP and mid-nickel CTP technologies within this year.
The dry electrode process, which reduces equipment investment and operational costs compared to traditional wet processes, is also a focus. The Future Technology Institute plans to establish a pilot plant for dry electrode production by the end of the year to secure product viability.
In terms of safety, SK On is speeding up the development of semi-solid batteries and thermal runaway prevention technologies. Semi-solid batteries use polymer-oxide composite electrolytes, offering improved safety over conventional liquid electrolytes. A pilot line is currently operational, aiming for prototype production by the end of next year.
Regarding thermal runaway prevention, immersion cooling technology is central. This method effectively suppresses temperature rise within the pack, and the technology has already been verified. SK On is working in partnership with automakers on joint development, with further acceleration expected following the upcoming merger with SK ENMove scheduled for November.
Since its inception before becoming an independent subsidiary, SK On has led the company’s battery technology development. Its roots trace back to 1985 at the Ulsan Energy Storage Device R&D Lab of U-GOK, where it began developing energy storage systems (ESS). In 1991, it shifted focus to electric vehicle batteries.
The SK Daedeok Institute of Technology, launched in 1995, first equipped the Korean mass-produced electric vehicles with lithium-ion polymer batteries in 2010. In 2019, SK On developed the world’s first NCM9 battery with 90% nickel content. To ensure safety, the company applied its proprietary ‘Z-folding’ technology, demonstrating strong global competitiveness.
A SK On spokesperson stated, “Through innovation driven by technology-led R&D, we will secure a decisive competitive advantage in the global battery market.”
