The InterBattery 2025 Conference promises to be the largest battery exhibition held to date, with 688 participating battery companies and 2,330 booths. Taking place from March 5 to 7 at Coex, Seoul, the event is expected to attract around 80,000 attendees, reflecting the growing interest and significance of the battery industry.
Organized by the Korea Battery Industry Association and Coex, this year marks the 13th edition of InterBattery. Major players like LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI are set to occupy the largest exhibition spaces, each with booths spanning over 540 square meters, consistent with their continued dominance and innovation within the industry. Following closely are SK On and Posco Future M, which will present their latest technologies over 450 square meters.
Notably, firms like L&F have pledged to quadruple their exhibition space, showcasing their commitment to growth even amid market pressures. The array of participants is complemented by the inclusion of international firms, with BYD—a leading global electric vehicle manufacturer—and Chinese giant EVE Energy making their debut at the event. Their participation signifies the intensifying competition and developmental advancements within the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery segment.
The conference will also feature key insights from various government and industry leaders. U.S. officials, including representatives from the federal and state levels, are expected to discuss the latest trends within the American battery market alongside supportive programs aimed at attracting investments. The participation of these representatives emphasizes the need for cooperative efforts between South Korea and the U.S. to bolster their respective battery industries.
Park Tae-sung, Vice President of the Korea Battery Industry Association, remarked, "InterBattery 2025 will showcase our battery companies' strategies to overcome the uncertain external environment and prepare for the upcoming supercycle of K-batteries." This statement encapsulates the essence of the conference, which aims to address the challenges posed by declining demand for electric vehicles and the influx of competitively priced batteries from China.
The present market scenario, marked by the dual pressures of technological advancement and increased competition, has led South Korean manufacturers to declare their resolve to focus on differentiative technologies. Domestic powerhouses LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On are lined up to reveal their enhanced cylindrical battery designs, which promise improved performance and energy output.
Not to be overlooked, L&F has announced its plans to initiate production of LFP battery cathodes, thereby pivoting to compete with China's stronghold on this burgeoning market segment. Complementing this strategic shift, Lotte Energy Materials will present innovative next-generation battery components, signaling their readiness to adapt to and thrive within the changing market.
The anticipated outcomes of these discussions focus on strengthening global supply chain cooperation to counteract the monopolistic tendencies seen with key suppliers from China. The Mexican market and European partnerships are other potential areas of exploration, as global collaboration becomes increasingly necessary to secure the supply chains integral to the battery production process.
BYD's participation is particularly noteworthy. The company, recognized for its position as the world's leading electric vehicle seller and second-leading battery producer, aims to leverage InterBattery as a platform to extend its reach within the South Korean market, thereby intensifying the competition for local manufacturers.
With 79 Chinese firms participating—marking the largest contingent from China ever—it becomes clear how significant this conference is not only for South Korea but for the larger global battery market. The introduction of domestic and international players in the LFP space indicates the intensifying rivalry and rapidly shifting dynamics within this sector.
This year's InterBattery is set to include awards recognizing excellence across various categories such as battery, materials, components, automation, and startups. Both LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI are anticipated to receive accolades once again, attesting to their consistent innovation and leadership.
Park Tae-sung added, "This event presents a chance to solidify our technological competitiveness and set trends for the global battery industry." With such promising prospects on the horizon, InterBattery 2025 is not just another industry event—it's set to be a catalyst for pivotal changes within the battery sector, shaping its future direction amid global challenges.