Korean LG Chem has developed a 48V lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) battery for car manufacturer Hyundai.
The battery is exclusively designed for Hyundai’s upcoming EV models, a source told Korea Times. The lithium-based battery will replace the 12V lead-acid battery currently integrated in the car maker’s electric sport utility vehicles. A new EV model is set to come out in 2017, Korea Times reported.
The 48V battery is designed to operate more fuel saving electrical systems such as stop-start engines, electric power steering and regenerative breaks, but need more volts. Both companies declined to confirm the 48V battery contract.
“We see a huge demand for 48-volt lithium-ion batteries amid growing demands for budget EVs with enhancements in energy consumption and lower costs,” said LG Chem chief financial officer Cho Seok-jae.
LG Chem will not stop the production of its 12V lead-acid battery, as the demand, especially in Europe, is still high for the dual-battery. “But dual-battery electrical systems should be considered an interim technology. Automakers want to consolidate to just one battery,” the LG source told Korea Times.
LG Chem supplies its EV batteries to more than 20 carmakers including General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
US-based Polypore recently won an injunction against LG Chem preventing the Korean company from producing batteries containing its own version of ceramic-coated separators. LG Chem has filed a countermotion.
