Korean EV battery-makers uneasy as Trump stays silent on tariffs

Trump could target battery materials sourced from China, sources say South Korean battery companies are closely monitoring the second Donald Trump administration’s potential imposition of tariffs on key battery materials produced in Korea. The concern follows the enforcement of 25 percent duties on Korean steel and aluminum that took effect Wednesday, with additional tariffs expected next month. While electric vehicle batteries are currently exempt from the proposed tariffs — set to be enforced

March 12, 2025

Hyundai Motor to build 2nd hydrogen facility in Ulsan

Hyundai Motor Company is poised to set up its second hydrogen fuel cell production facility at its Ulsan plant, ramping up its growth momentum in the hydrogen-powered electric vehicle market. According to media reports on Tuesday, the automaker is in talks with the Ulsan plant labor union to build the hydrogen facility adjacent to the factory’s existing auto transmission manufacturing site. This new production base will be the company’s second, following the one in Guangzhou, China, and the firs

March 11, 2025

LG Energy Solution, Yonsei University advance electrode tech for EV batteries

LG Energy Solution said Monday that its joint research team with Yonsei University has made a breakthrough in next-generation dry electrode manufacturing technology for electric vehicle batteries. Electrodes, a key component affecting battery performance, are typically produced using a wet process that involves solvents to create a slurry, which is then coated onto a metal foil and dried. This method is energy- and time-intensive, requires substantial facility investments, and limits the energy

March 10, 2025

Yoon Suk Yeol set for release, as prosecutors decide not to appeal court’s detention revocation

South Korea's Supreme Prosecutors’ Office decided not to appeal a court’s decision to revoke President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention, Yonhap News reported Saturday. The decision came a day after the Seoul Central District Court approved Yoon's request for detention revocation. Yoon is now expected to be released from the Seoul Detention Center, where he was held for 52 days in connection with his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. The president, who is suspended from office following parlia

March 8, 2025

S. Korea, Canada bolster strategic partnership

South Korea and Canada are set to strengthen strategic partnerships in defense and critical mineral sectors amid the rising geopolitical uncertainty. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won met with Weldon Epp, assistant deputy minister of the Indo-Pacific division at Global Affairs Canada, in the capital city of Ottawa on Friday. The two parties agreed to further develop their achievements in five core areas of cooperation --

March 8, 2025

SK On to develop AI-powered model for operational efficiency by 2028

SK On is set to develop an in-house artificial intelligence-powered model to optimize its electric vehicle battery production and enhance cost and operational efficiency across its business, according to the firm's executive. Dubbed the “Battery Foundation Model,” this advanced AI system will create a framework using big data to guide business operations or decision-making processes, according to Kim Sang-jin, vice president and head of the new form factor product development office at SK On, du

March 7, 2025

Polish President seeks to accelerate K2 tank deal with South Korea

Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed his hope to accelerate the K2 tank supply deal with South Korea, aiming to strengthen the defense partnership between the two nations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Duda told Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul that he wishes to swiftly complete the delayed second contract for the K2 tanks, underscoring the importance of mutually beneficial defense cooperation, including local production in Poland. The K2 tank, manufactured by Hyunda

March 7, 2025

BYD’s EV deliveries delayed amid stalled subsidy review

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD’s launch in Korea has been at a standstill for a month, as its Atto 3 SUV has failed to meet one of the Environment Ministry’s criteria for EV subsidies. According to industry sources Thursday, BYD Korea is still waiting for the ministry to approve the subsidy after the company committed to adding the "State of Charge" feature to limit the maximum charge level to below 100 percent to prevent overcharging via a software update within this year. In 2025, the mini

March 6, 2025

Samsung SDI ready to roll out 46-series batteries: CEO

Samsung SDI President and CEO Choi Joo-sun said Wednesday the company is poised to start mass production of its new 46-series cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles, an upgraded version of the smaller 21700 batteries. “We have secured customers for these batteries and have submitted sample products (to them),” said Choi during a press briefing at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition on Wednesday in Gangnam, Seoul, while declining to disclose specifics, citing confidentiality. The 46-series cyli

March 5, 2025

LG Energy Solution CEO: Strategic US expansion to offset trade challenges

Kim Dong-myung, CEO of LG Energy Solution and chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association, stated Wednesday that the company is well-positioned to benefit from its extensive US production facilities, despite the tariff threats from President Donald Trump. “The tariff policies of the new US administration fundamentally encourage domestic production,” Kim said during a press briefing at the InterBattery 2025 exhibition in Gangnam, Seoul. “We intend to capitalize on our US factories effectiv

March 5, 2025