Samsung increases nickel content in NCA batteries to 91%

According to foreign media reports, at the InterBattery 2021 exhibition in South Korea, Samsung SDI showcased its latest battery technologies, including a new fifth-generation battery cell for electric vehicles.

(Image source: Samsung SDI)

Samsung SDI's executive vice president and head of research Chang Hyuk confirmed that the company has produced cylindrical battery cells with an NCA cathode (nickel, cobalt, alumina) containing 91% nickel. The 88% nickel version debuted in 2015, when these cylindrical battery cells were used in power tools before moving to electric vehicles.

Compared to versions with higher cobalt content, these cells have a higher energy density of 670 Wh/L while also being less expensive.

In addition, new square cells are also in production, with an energy density of 630 Wh/L, which is expected to achieve a range of 620 kilometers in the new SUV. Now, square NCA cells contain 88% nickel (usually one step behind cylindrical cells). The square version is expected to increase to a 91% nickel positive electrode compound, which may take several years.

Samsung SDI's approach is different from SK Innovation's "Nickel 9" battery technology and LG Energy Solution's NCMA cathode material, both of which contain around 90% nickel.

Samsung SDI is also reportedly researching two other technologies. The first is a new NMx (nickel manganese oxide) cathode, which may be similar to the cobalt-free NMx type of SVOLT Energy Technology. The other is to simplify the production process through dry electrode technology, greatly reducing production lines and production time, thereby reducing costs. Tesla's 4680 pilot plant in California is also conducting similar research.

Samsung SDI's 2170 cylindrical battery cells can be used in plug-in hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles:

Samsung SDI 50G pure electric vehicle battery cell

18.15 Wh (5.0 Ah; 3.63 V)

267 Wh/kg

749 Wh/L

Samsung SDI 48X plug-in hybrid vehicle battery cell

17.47 Wh（4.8 Ah; 3.64 V）

256 Wh/kg

721 Wh/L