Electric Vehicles Further, Faster, Cheaper: POSCO Future M Crosses the Chasm with New Cathode and Anode Technologies

2025/03/05
POSCO Future M is showcasing cutting-edge cathode and anode material technologies and its supply chain achievements at the InterBattery 2025 event, held at COEX, Seoul, from March 5 to 7.

Highlights:

• Advanced Roadmap for Cathode and Anode Materials: Solutions to improve EV range, charging speed, and cost-effectiveness.
• Next-Gen Materials and Processes: Introducing solid electrolytes, lithium-metal anodes, and direct lithium extraction methods.

To tackle the temporary demand stagnation (chasm) in the EV market, POSCO Future M unveils a comprehensive roadmap and supply chain infrastructure spanning raw materials, production, and recycling.

Innovations in Cathode and Anode Materials:

1. Maximizing Range

   • Ultra Hi-Ni Cathodes: With over 95% nickel content, these high-energy-density materials are designed for premium EVs. POSCO aims to commercialize this by 2026.
   • Silicon Anodes (Si-C): Offering five times the storage capacity of graphite anodes, a demo plant has been operational since May 2024, with mass production planned by 2027.

2. Faster Charging

   • Low-Expansion Natural Graphite Anodes: Enhancing lithium-ion movement and reducing volumetric expansion, this innovation is set to cut charging time by 30% starting in 2027.

3. Reducing Costs for EV Affordability

   • LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Alternatives: New materials like LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) and LMFP (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate).
   • High-Voltage Mid-Nickel Cathodes: Optimized for mid-range EVs with a nickel content of 60%, combining affordability and performance.
   • LMR Cathodes: Lower nickel and cobalt content, higher manganese, resulting in comparable costs to LFP but with up to 30% greater energy density.

Next-Generation Technologies:

• Solid Electrolytes and Lithium-Metal Anodes: Game-changers in battery technology under development by POSCO Holdings.
• Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE): Innovative processes reducing waste and carbon emissions.

Global Supply Chain and Investments:

POSCO Group has expanded investments in key resource hubs, including lithium brine lakes in Argentina, lithium mines in Australia, nickel refining in Indonesia, and graphite mines in Africa. This strategic approach ensures competitive resource acquisition to strengthen EV market leadership.

Collaborations and Market Expansion:

• POSCO International: Focused on EV motor core and graphite supply chains, with a target of producing components for 7.5 million EVs annually by 2030.
• Strategic Contracts: Long-term agreements for natural graphite supply with Black Rock Mining’s subsidiary FARU Graphite in Tanzania.

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