Hyundai Motor Group and SK Innovation announced that they would be teaming up to develop hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) batteries. Accordingly, the two auto manufacturers Kia and Hyundai Motor, would establish new battery-manufacturing and industrial growth groundwork with SK Innovation. According to SK Innovation, the partnership with the two automakers would improve the South Korean battery tech and mobility industry.
In addition to further boosting the domestically-produced green vehicles’ competitive power, the synergy between the companies demonstrates effective cross-sector collaboration. Under the new partnership, the companies involved would develop, mass-produce, and install pouch-type batteries to HEVs. Specifically, the automotive industry leaders plan to apply the newly developed batteries to Hyundai’s 2024 HEV releases.
Furthermore, the partners would closely collaborate from the designing phase to product quality and performance evaluation. SK Innovation also aims to optimize the batteries for Hyundai Motor and Kia HEV models. To this end, they would develop HEV batteries that support optimum mobility performance and high economic efficiency. Hyundai Motor and Kia would also hone the batteries through its built-up battery tech expertise and leading automobile design capabilities. Moreover, the two automakers would directly handpick and verify materials, battery specifications, and application ratios for increased safety.
Strengthening Cooperative Relationships
Park Chan-Young, Head of Hyundai’s Powertrain Parts Purchasing Division, also stated that the collaboration with SK Innovation would considerably enhance Hyundai Motor Group’s eco-friendly vehicle competitive edge. As Park said, the companies involved would cooperate throughout the process, including advanced battery development, quality management, and mass production.
Besides providing HEV battery innovations, the companies also created a new partnership paradigm for carmakers and battery producers. The global technology companies also expect the development to cultivate the local EV and battery sector. Previously, Hyundai Motor Group applied SK Innovation’s battery pack to build South Korea’s first EV, the BlueOn. Kia and SK Innovation also teamed up to mass-produce and export the Ray EV and Soul EV. Additionally, SK Innovation supplies batteries to IONIQ 5 and EV6, Hyundai Motor Group’s latest vehicles to employ the E-GMP.
“We are very pleased to strengthen the cooperation in developing electric car batteries with Hyundai Motor – Kia, a company with the most competitive power and advanced technology in the automaker industry,” said Lee Jang-Won, Head of SK Innovation’s Battery Technology Institute.
Lee also said that Hyundai and Kia would spearhead the future mobility sector in cooperation with SK Innovation’s exceptional battery and manufacturing technologies. Recently, SK Innovation finally resolved the two-year EV battery dispute with fellow manufacturer LG Energy Solution.
