Batteries serve as a key component that determines EV performance, such as driving range and charging speed. Furthermore, battery requirements vary based on the vehicle’s purpose and characteristics. Fast charging is essential for personal EVs. However, the specific battery technology used depends on whether a model prioritizes driving range and performance or price competitiveness. For commercial EVs, driving range and price competitiveness take precedence over rapid charging performance.

The EV series is divided into Part 1: Personal EVs and Part 2: Commercial EVs. This installment explores the characteristics of prismatic and cylindrical batteries used in personal EVs.

[Batteries determine major performances of EV]

SAMSUNG SDI categorizes personal EVs into Premium, Volume, and Entry segments based on their driving range per single charge. EVs with a range of 600~800km fall into the Premium segment, those with 500~600km into the Volume segment, and those with 400~500km into the Entry segment. 

[Personal EV segment classification]

SAMSUNG SDI tailors the materials and design of prismatic batteries to meet the performance and cost requirements of each EV segment, responding to customer needs.

For the Premium segment, which prioritizes driving range and performance, it utilizes high-nickel NCA (Nickel, Cobalt, Aluminum) cathodes and silicon-based anodes to achieve high energy density.

For the volume segment, high-voltage mid-nickel cathodes are utilized to balance performance and cost. SAMSUNG SDI is achieving energy densities exceeding 600Wh/L by lowering the nickel content in the cathode to enhance price competitiveness while simultaneously increasing voltage and improving materials.

The Entry-level segment prioritizes cost efficiency by using LFP (Lithium, Iron, Phosphate) materials, which are less expensive than NCA. LFP materials have relatively lower energy density, making it more advantageous to produce them as large prismatic batteries for price competitiveness. Leveraging its extensive experience in mass-producing prismatic batteries and its patent competitiveness, SAMSUNG SDI is accelerating the development and production of prismatic LFP batteries.

[SAMSUNG SDI's prismatic battery response strategies by electric vehicle segment]

Meanwhile, SAMSUNG SDI’s cylindrical batteries utilize high-nickel NCA material across all segments. This is because cylindrical batteries inherently have lower space efficiency in the battery pack compared to prismatic ones; therefore, using NCA material, which can increase energy density, makes this format more suitable. 

Cylindrical batteries are particularly competitive in high-power EV*s where 800V systems are applied. While current EVs are primarily based on 400V systems, there is a growing trend to increase the system voltage to 800V to enhance output and rapid charging performance. Implementing 800V requires a design that connects multiple battery cells in series. Because cylindrical batteries have relatively small individual cell capacities, they are advantageous for increasing the number of cells connected in series to achieve these higher voltages. 

* High-power EV: Offer superior acceleration performance and enhanced high-speed driving stability. 

Regarding the 46-series cylindrical batteries, which have increasingly adopted the 800V system recently, SAMSUNG SDI has attained the technological capability to produce 46-series cells with a wide range of heights on a single production line. This allows the company to reduce process cost and respond flexibly to diverse customer demands. Furthermore, the company applies tabless technology across 46-series models, significantly enhancing fast-charging performance. 

[SAMSUNG SDI’s cylindrical battery solution for EV]

Based on its prismatic and cylindrical battery technologies, SAMSUNG SDI will continue to prioritize safety and respond to the demands of the personal EV market.