Core Viewpoint - Korean battery companies are expanding their presence in the U.S. electric vehicle market, with SK On being selected as a battery supplier for the startup Slate, backed by Jeff Bezos [1][2][3]. Group 1: SK On and Slate Partnership - SK On will supply 20 GWh of batteries to Slate from 2026 to 2031, with a potential for increased supply as production scales up [2]. - The estimated value of the contract is approximately 4 trillion KRW (about 202.8 billion RMB), sufficient to power around 300,000 mid-sized electric vehicles [2]. Group 2: Slate's Background and Product Offering - Slate Auto, based in Michigan, aims to produce an electric pickup truck priced under $20,000 (approximately 146,000 RMB) and plans to start production next year [4]. - The company is developing an affordable two-seat electric pickup inspired by classic models like the Ford Model T and Volkswagen Beetle [4]. - Slate's vehicle can transform into a five-seat SUV and offers customization options with various accessories [5]. Group 3: U.S. Electric Vehicle Market Dynamics - The U.S. electric vehicle market is seeing a surge in startups like Slate, but Tesla remains the only company with significant market share [6]. - American electric vehicle companies heavily rely on battery supplies from South Korea and Japan due to the underdeveloped local battery industry [6][8]. Group 4: Competition and Market Share - Korean battery manufacturers, including LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI, are also securing contracts with U.S. startups, indicating a trend of collaboration [8]. - In early 2025, global electric vehicle battery installations reached 129.9 GWh, with Chinese companies holding a 67.5% market share, while Korean companies' market share declined to 21.6% [11][12]. Group 5: Strategic Shifts in Korean Battery Companies - Korean battery firms are adapting by increasing their procurement from Chinese suppliers and shifting their focus to lithium iron phosphate batteries and different battery formats [12][13]. - The long-term outlook suggests that China will maintain its leadership in the global lithium battery industry, driving energy transition worldwide [14].
全球第四斩获20GWh电池大单!
起点锂电·2025-05-01 06:58