An electric vehicle equipped with SAMSUNG SDI’s battery has set a Guinness World Record for the longest range on a single charge. The vehicle is the ‘Lucid Air Grand Touring’ from the American EV manufacturer Lucid Motors, which achieved a record-breaking range of 1,205 kilometers on a single charge. Meet Pro Young-chang Kim, the developer of the 21700 cylindrical battery behind this achievement.

Q. The vehicle with the 21700 cylindrical battery you developed was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest driving range. How did you feel?

I was truly thrilled when I heard the news. I had the chance to visit Lucid Motors’ headquarters last year, and when I introduced myself as the developer of the 21700 battery used in the Lucid Air Grand Touring, the engineers called it a “legendary battery” and eagerly came forward to shake my hand. That moment left a deep impression on me.

At the time, I simply felt proud, thinking, “We really did a great job with this cell.” But now that it has set a Guinness World Record for the longest driving range, that pride and joy have doubled.

Q. What sets SAMSUNG SDI’s 21700 cylindrical battery cells apart?

SAMSUNG SDI’s 21700 cylindrical cells deliver outstanding performance through advanced technologies such as high-nickel NCA cathodes and silicon anodes. In the recent driving test, the vehicle achieved a remarkable 1,205 km on a single charge. Beyond long range, it also demonstrated high performance with its maximum speed of 270 km/h and 400 km of range achieved in just 16 minutes of fast charging.

Moreover, we verify mass production feasibility during development, ensuring no performance gap between test samples provided for customer and mass-produced cells. Consistent performance and quality in mass production helps us earn customer trust.

Q. Can you share challenges you overcame while working with the customer?

The customer demanded high standards in long lifespan, extended range, and fast charging for a premium EV. I believe the longest-range EV was possible thanks to SAMSUNG SDI’s high-performance cells that met those expectations.

It wasn’t easy to meet all the customer’s requirements, but we overcame the challenges through close collaboration with various departments. For example, when a special safety standard was required, we worked with the analysis team at the R&D center to develop a quantification tool, which we were then able to present to the customer.

Q. What mindset will you carry forward for future battery development?

Developing the 21700 cylindrical battery taught me that communication is key. Good teamwork leads to better collaboration across departments, which ultimately helps us speak with one voice to the customer. The project I’m currently leading involves more members than before, so I aim to be a project leader who communicates well with the team and continues to develop great products together.