Hyundai’s solid-state battery plant could come online as soon as March, per reports from Korean sources at Hyundai, according to ET News. The company’s new solid-state batteries should be markedly more efficient than
, promising much more range, better charging capability, and improved energy density, which could lead to lighter cars via smaller battery packs offering the same energy as existing ones.
Solid-State Batteries Are A Game-Changer
Hyundai has been close to production and testing for a few months now, as our report above points out. At the time, Hyundai was said to be putting the finishing touches on its “Dream” battery production line, allowing the company to begin testing. Sources told ET News that Hyundai would hold an opening ceremony next month, on March 9th, at the battery research center built at its Uiwang Research Center in Korea.
At the ceremony, Hyundai reportedly plans to publicly unveil the all-
production line. Moreover, representatives from General Motors will also be present, as well as Hyundai Motor Group’s key officials. This pilot line is a test to see what a full-scale production line will look and operate like, and Hyundai will be monitoring the line’s ability to produce solid-state batteries within spec carefully.
Hyundai Eyes Solid-State Battery Production
After the pilot line is operational, Hyundai will reportedly use batteries made at the facility in testing before sending the units off to be mass-produced. Allegedly, a Hyundai prototype fitted with solid-state batteries will be released before the year is out. After that, mass production will begin, but not for some time. Hyundai’s timeline reportedly sees mass production around five years from now in 2030.
TopSpeed’s Take
Hyundai’s bold plan to produce its own solid-state batteries would put it well ahead of rival automakers. Hyundai included, many within the industry source their EV batteries from third-party suppliers like CATL in China, or LG. Cutting out the middleman is a no-brainer tactic, but Hyundai will need to really stick the landing to make this work, not to mention keeping a close eye on the legislative landscape both here in the U.S. and abroad.
Currently, automakers need to produce certain parts of their EVs, including batteries, within the United States to qualify for federal tax incentives. Should those incentives survive the Trump administration, Hyundai will need to size up producing these batteries in the US to continue to comply with the existing incentive structure.
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