SK batteries used in APEC official vehicles

A Sehnbao electric vehicle powered by SK Innovation's batteries
/ Courtesy of SK Innovation

By Kim Yoo-chul

SK Innovation has supplied the batteries for cars to be used as official transportation for next week's APEC meeting in Beijing, China, company officials said Thursday.

"A total of 50 Sehnbao electric vehicles (EVs), powered by SK batteries, will be provided for high-level delegates and organizers," the energy firm said.

APEC has 21 member economies in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for 54 percent of the world's economic output and 44 percent of its trade.

SK Innovation has been operating a battery joint venture with Beijing Automotive, the maker of the EVs, and Beijing Electronics.

SK holds a 40 percent share and its partner Beijing Electronics a 41-percent stake. Beijing Automotive owns a19 percent stake.

The car is the first EV model to be introduced by Beijing Automotive, which plans to mass-produce electric sedans from next year.

The APEC official vehicle can speed up to 200 kilometers per hour, running on the SK-developed 37.5 kilowatt per hour (KWh) battery pack.

An SK official said the meeting will showcase its advanced battery technology to global leaders and expand its EV business in China, the world's biggest EV market.

The firm said the Sehnbao EVs are currently being used ahead of the APEC meeting.

Battery charging stations have also been installed in Beijing Capital International Airport.

SK Innovation is boosting the output of batteries for EVs in China as leading Chinese carmakers are rolling out low-priced electric and plug-in models.

The Chinese government is offering more incentives to buy EVs amid its initiatives for fuel-efficient and greenhouse-gas reducing vehicles.

The statement said the SK affiliate plans to become the top battery supplier for EVs by 2017, producing 20,000 battery packs per year.

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