LFP、大圆柱、专利池：解构日韩电池企业三张“新牌”

Core Viewpoint - The global competition in the power battery market is intensifying as Chinese battery manufacturers, particularly CATL, gain market share over their South Korean counterparts, driven by the rapid adoption of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and strategic adjustments by companies like LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Samsung SDI [1][2][9] Group 1: Market Dynamics - In 2024, CATL surpassed LGES in overseas market share for the first time, with CATL's battery installation volume reaching 96.8 GWh compared to LGES's 87.9 GWh, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape [2] - Major South Korean battery manufacturers, including LGES, Panasonic, and Samsung SDI, experienced slower growth rates in battery installation volumes compared to the industry average, with some reporting declines exceeding 10% [2][9] - The financial performance of these South Korean firms reflected this market shift, as they reported losses attributed to the rapid penetration of LFP batteries and slow adaptation to changing market demands [2] Group 2: Strategic Adjustments - LGES is accelerating its transition to LFP battery production, repurposing existing facilities in Michigan for LFP production and planning to convert some of its NCM battery lines in Tennessee and Ohio [4] - LGES secured a significant contract with Renault's Ampere to supply approximately 39 GWh of LFP batteries from 2025 to 2030, marking a strategic entry into the European market [4] - Samsung SDI is also adapting by introducing LFP production lines in its Indiana facility, aligning with General Motors' shift towards LFP batteries for most of its upcoming electric vehicle models [5] Group 3: Technological Innovations - LGES announced a collaboration with General Motors to develop a new type of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery, which offers over 30% higher energy density than current LFP batteries while maintaining similar costs [5] - Samsung SDI has initiated mass production of the 46 series cylindrical batteries, with plans to expand into the electric vehicle market, while Panasonic is preparing for mass production of its 4680 battery [7] Group 4: Patent Strategies - A patent battle is emerging as LGES and Panasonic established a patent pool named "Tulip Innovation" to protect their intellectual property, which includes over 5,000 patents [8] - The patent pool has already taken legal action against Chinese battery companies for alleged patent infringements, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in the competitive landscape [8][9] Group 5: Future Outlook - The competition in the global power battery market is becoming increasingly multifaceted, with key variables such as LFP technology, cylindrical batteries, and patent litigation shaping the industry's future [9]