samsung Samsung, The Next LG Battery Competitor?

[G. David Felt]

G. David Felt
Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com

 

Samsung, The Next LG Battery Competitor?

Samsung has decided to be the next major Li cell supplier to the auto industry and has decided to one up LG in their quest to be the top supplier of super high density Li cells. Back in September 2016 Green Car Report stated that in an interview with Samsung, that they wanted to be equal to if not replace LG as one of the largest Li cell suppliers to the auto industry. They currently supply the cells for the BMW i line of EV auto's. In this story Samsung announced a $400 million investment in a new battery plant in Hungary which would allow them to support the growth of BMW's EV auto plans into the next century. Samsung pointed to LG's leadership in supplying batteries to 25 top tier auto companies around the world which includes GM's latest darling the Chevrolet BOLT.

In this story, it is stated that both LG and Samsung will supply Audi with cells for their Audi EV SUV that is slated to be out in 2018 as a 2019 model. It also states that Samsung has bought a 4% stake or $449 million dollar investment in Chinese auto maker BYD which to quote the story; " BYD produced more electric cars and plug-in hybrids than any other company last year, although only a small fraction were sold outside China. "

Clearly Samsung is wanting to be at the leadership position of the EV revolution and is willing to invest in making sure they get the sales.

Fast Forward 4 months to an updated story by Green Car Report which is based on a story only days earlier by techcrunch.com that Samsung has a new battery cell design that allows near full recharge in 20 minutes. This is not some lowly 50 to 70 miles, but based on their new cell design and the battery pack they have built which is equal to 372 miles, this battery pack would give you 310 miles as a quick charge in 20 minutes.

The story states that Samsung's new battery design is 10% less cells and weight versus current battery production from SDI. Now Samsung does not state if this quick charge is based on existing DC charging or what the industry is calling the new XFS charging system. XFS stands for Extreme Fast Charge and is designed to handle a minimum of 350kWh charging or more.

Energy.gov web site has stated that they are working with the auto makers and their own researchers to make a standardized system that can handle the heavy power safely for the public so that the energy load is balanced, reduces cost as well as mitigate time to charge issues on top of cybersecurity concerns about paying for the use of these XFS Charging systems.

XFS Charging Station concept by Electrek

End result to quote the Energy.gov web site post:

" Extreme fast charging is poised to accelerate mass market EV adoption as DOE and industry stakeholders work to overcome technical, cost, and safety barriers. Implementing an XFC system capable of up to 350-kW charging has the potential to increase EV utility, which in-turn would provide Americans with greater freedom of mobility and energy security. "