Core Viewpoint - SK On has announced its latest strategy in the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sector, aiming to penetrate the North American energy storage market, following similar moves by LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI [1][2][9]. Group 1: SK On's Collaboration and Market Strategy - SK On has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korean battery material manufacturer L&F for the supply of LFP cathode materials in the North American market [4][5]. - The collaboration is expected to help SK On meet the growing demand for LFP batteries in the U.S. and quickly enter the energy storage market, which is experiencing significant growth [6]. - As of May 2025, the cumulative installed capacity of large battery storage in the U.S. reached 31.88 GW/89.31 GWh, with California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico being the primary growth regions [6]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape of Korean Battery Manufacturers - The three major Korean battery manufacturers—LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On—are all shifting their focus towards LFP batteries due to their cost and safety advantages [11]. - From January to May 2024, the market share of these three companies in the global (excluding China) power battery market dropped from 45.2% to 39.2%, while Chinese companies like CATL and BYD have increased their market share [11]. - LG Energy Solution has established eight bases in North America with a planned total capacity exceeding 350 GWh, including a recently launched LFP battery factory in Michigan [12][13]. Group 3: L&F's Role and Technological Advancements - L&F is a leading supplier of cathode materials and is currently ramping up production of LFP materials, with plans to achieve a production capacity of 60,000 tons [7][8]. - L&F has developed LFP cathode materials with a pressing density of 2.7 g/cm³, which is expected to enter mass production by the end of 2026 [8]. Group 4: Impact on the Chinese Lithium Battery Supply Chain - Korean companies are increasingly relying on Chinese suppliers for LFP materials, as China dominates the lithium battery supply chain [16][17]. - LG Energy Solution is collaborating with Chinese companies to ensure stable supply chains for LFP materials, while Samsung SDI is expanding its procurement of production equipment from Chinese firms [18][19]. - The collaboration with Chinese companies is expected to enhance the market share of Chinese firms in the global lithium battery market [19].
电池三巨头围攻磷酸铁锂!
起点锂电·2025-07-16 10:10