Powered by Lithium: SK Energy to Supply Li-ion Batteries to Hyundai, Kia for EVs TNR.v, CZX.v, TSLA, LIT.v, RM.v, LI.v, WLC.v, CLQ.v, LAT.v, AVL.to, F

KIA EV

"Now it is time for Lithium Supply - China already controls 97% of Rare Earths market. Lithium output will be increased fivefold in Chinese Lithium province, but the real news is below from Reuters - it is only half of previously expected output and now Chinese companies are on the shopping spree among lithium developers. Who will be at the boardroom table next - only a few lithium brines plays are left without J/V partners and we are following here two of them: International Lithium and Rodinia Lithium. We expect M&A activity in lithium space to be continued during this summer months."

Hyundai i10

Korean automakers are on offencive and challenge Japanese companies around the world. Hyundai is the new tiger from Asia and could be considered an economic miracle: it managed to raise its market share during recent financial crisis very substantially.

"Hyundai's move into the hybrid space is very important - it is one of the very few companies which gained market share during the recent crisis. Their move directly to lithium based batteries even in Hybrid application shows forward thinking and additional demand for lithium.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Toyota and other Japanese automakers feel the competition from upcoming Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia now. Recent deal between Korean Kores and Lithium One shows that they are seriously betting on electrification of our transportation system."

SK Energy to Supply Li-ion Batteries to Hyundai, Kia for EVs
By Green Car Congress on 07/23/2010

South Korea-based SK Energy Co. will provide Li-ion batteries to Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors for electric vehicles (EVs), beginning with the i10.

The i10 will have a single charge range of 160 km (99 miles) and a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). The i10 is due to be in full scale production in 2011, according to SK.

SK Energy uses a lithium manganese oxide cathode material, mixing in NMC material for stabilization; a surface-modified graphite on the anode; a gel polymer electrolyte; and a ceramic-coated proprietary SK separator featuring low shrinkage and high heat resistance. SK cells have a specific energy density of around 140 Wh/kg.

In October 2009, SK Energy was chosen as a supplier of lithium-ion batteries for a hybrid electric vehicle project for Daimler commercial vehicle subsidiary Mitsubishi Fuso; Daimler holds 85% of Fuso. (Earlier post.)

SK Energy is also participating in a one-year technology assessment program of its batteries for electric vehicles with the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC). USABC will provide 50% of the funding for the project. (Earlier post.)"

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