By Kim Yoo-chul
LG Chem has successfully developed a 48-volt lithium-ion battery for leading global carmakers, said LG sources and market watchers, Tuesday.
The LG-patented battery will exclusively be used in upcoming electric vehicle (EV) models by Hyundai Motors Co., they said.
"Hyundai's next electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) will use LG-developed 48-volt lithium-ion batteries, not existing 12-volt, lead-acid starter/stop-start batteries," said an official in the local automotive industry.
The higher voltage is needed to handle a growing number of electrical systems that save fuel but need more volts, such as stop-start, electric power steering, regenerative breaks and other energy-efficient electrical systems.
The new Hyundai electric SUVs using the latest LG batteries will be coming out early in 2017, according to the sources.
An LG Chem spokesman declined to confirm this, while Hyundai Motors officials said they don't offer comments on client-related issues.
LG Chem believes the 48-volt lithium-ion batteries will help it further solidify its current status as a global battery leader for EVs. LG Chem supplies its car batteries to more than 20 global carmakers including General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
The development comes as leading carmakers are rolling out more budget EV models to enjoy more of a "first-mover advantage" in the booming EV market.
Rather than conventional 12-volt lead-acid starter/stop-start batteries, the 48-volt batteries are capable of powering an EV for about 100 kilometers on a single charge, according to experts.
"We see a huge demand for 48-volt lithium-ion batteries amid growing demands for budget EVs with enhancements in energy consumption and lower costs. LG already completed development of the batteries and shipments will start from 2016," LG Chem Chief Financial Officer Cho Seok-jae said recently.
Watchers expect the healthy demand for 48-volt batteries will help major battery suppliers such as LG Chem, Samsung SDI and Japan's Panasonic generate greater profits as car makers don't have to completely redesign systems by using the 48-volt batteries, while it's required to change a whole system for pricey premium EVs that use 270-volt level batteries.
Despite the developments, LG Chem, however, will not drop the production of 12-volt lead-acid starter batteries because more European EV makers still prefer to use two-battery systems.
General Motors adopted a two-battery system, with a lead-acid battery and a lithium ion unit, for its eAssist mild hybrid technology, which is in such cars as the Buick LaCrosse.
BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz also have used dual lead-acid batteries to accommodate their stop-start systems. These car makers are LG Chem clients.
"But dual-battery electrical systems should be considered an interim technology. Automakers want to consolidate to just one battery. LG Chem made the right start by developing the 48-volt batteries," said the industry official.
LG Chem has successfully developed a 48-volt lithium-ion battery for leading global carmakers, said LG sources and market watchers, Tuesday.
The LG-patented battery will exclusively be used in upcoming electric vehicle (EV) models by Hyundai Motors Co., they said.
"Hyundai's next electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) will use LG-developed 48-volt lithium-ion batteries, not existing 12-volt, lead-acid starter/stop-start batteries," said an official in the local automotive industry.
The higher voltage is needed to handle a growing number of electrical systems that save fuel but need more volts, such as stop-start, electric power steering, regenerative breaks and other energy-efficient electrical systems.
The new Hyundai electric SUVs using the latest LG batteries will be coming out early in 2017, according to the sources.
An LG Chem spokesman declined to confirm this, while Hyundai Motors officials said they don't offer comments on client-related issues.
LG Chem believes the 48-volt lithium-ion batteries will help it further solidify its current status as a global battery leader for EVs. LG Chem supplies its car batteries to more than 20 global carmakers including General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
The development comes as leading carmakers are rolling out more budget EV models to enjoy more of a "first-mover advantage" in the booming EV market.
Rather than conventional 12-volt lead-acid starter/stop-start batteries, the 48-volt batteries are capable of powering an EV for about 100 kilometers on a single charge, according to experts.
"We see a huge demand for 48-volt lithium-ion batteries amid growing demands for budget EVs with enhancements in energy consumption and lower costs. LG already completed development of the batteries and shipments will start from 2016," LG Chem Chief Financial Officer Cho Seok-jae said recently.
Watchers expect the healthy demand for 48-volt batteries will help major battery suppliers such as LG Chem, Samsung SDI and Japan's Panasonic generate greater profits as car makers don't have to completely redesign systems by using the 48-volt batteries, while it's required to change a whole system for pricey premium EVs that use 270-volt level batteries.
Despite the developments, LG Chem, however, will not drop the production of 12-volt lead-acid starter batteries because more European EV makers still prefer to use two-battery systems.
General Motors adopted a two-battery system, with a lead-acid battery and a lithium ion unit, for its eAssist mild hybrid technology, which is in such cars as the Buick LaCrosse.
BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz also have used dual lead-acid batteries to accommodate their stop-start systems. These car makers are LG Chem clients.
"But dual-battery electrical systems should be considered an interim technology. Automakers want to consolidate to just one battery. LG Chem made the right start by developing the 48-volt batteries," said the industry official.
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