South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution is reportedly planning mass production of 4680 sized cylindrical batteries, as early as August.
The Korea Economic Daily reported that the company also expects to start producing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries mostly made by Chinese companies in the latter half of 2025.
LG Energy Chief Executive Kim Dong-myung told reporters before attending a Korea Battery Industry Association (KBIA) meeting in Seoul: “We plan to begin mass production of 4680 batteries at our Ochang plant in Korea in August or September. We’re also in supply talks with automakers other than Tesla.”
Dong-myung assumed the chairmanship of KBIA, according to KED. He told reporters the company is “looking at various options”, when asked if the company will also make 4680 batteries at its plant in Nanjing, China.
While pouch and prismatic batteries are most common among EV makers, several of them, including BMW and Stellantis, are adopting the 4680. Tesla is using the 4680 made in-house but is also buying from other suppliers.
KED also reported that LG Energy said in December 2022 it would spend billions of dollars to produce 46-series batteries at its plant in Ochang. Rival companies SK On and Samsung SDI are also working to produce 4680 cylindrical batteries, it said.
Dong-myung told reporters he had discussed closer cooperation with General Motors CEO Mary Barra in their 50-50 joint venture, Ultium Cells LLC, which is set to start operations in Tennessee.
There have been reports that GM has asked LG to share 50–85% of the advanced manufacturing production credit (AMPC) benefits the Korean company receives through Ultium Cells. Kim said this is under discussion with GM.
The US government’s AMPC programme means qualified battery makers can receive tax breaks, including a $35 credit per kilowatt-hour produced by a battery cell and a $10 credit per 1kWh battery module made in North America.
LG Energy has a battery joint venture with Hyundai Motor Co in Indonesia. It will be operational in April, the report said.