South Korean Firm Sees Solid-State Batteries as a Way to Outcompete China
South Korean battery maker SK On believes that solid-state batteries could give it the edge it needs to compete with China in the electric vehicle industry. The company says these next-generation batteries will first be used in pouch-type cells, a format in which it already has strong expertise. SK On’s research and development chief recently described this technology as a possible “weapon” in the race against Chinese battery producers. Solid-state batteries are different from the lithium-ion batteries used in most electric cars today. Instead of using a liquid electrolyte, they rely on a solid material such as polymer, sulfides, oxides,…