Seoul is gearing up to host the largest battery expo to date, the INTERBATTERY 2025 conference, set to run from March 5 to 7 at COEX. This year’s exhibition is not just larger; it’s more significant, with over 688 global battery companies showcasing more than 2,330 booths, tapping firmly onto the growing electric vehicle (EV) market’s momentum.
According to the Korea Battery Industry Association, the exhibition marks its 13th annual endeavor, and the scale has increased by more than 20% compared to last year. It is estimated to attract around 80,000 attendees, signaling heightened interest amid the intensifying global competition within the battery sector.
Among the featured exhibitors, the big players of the K-battery industry—LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On—are expected to reveal their latest innovations. LG Energy Solution is set to debut its next-generation cylindrical battery series, the 46 Series, which boasts five times the energy density and output compared to the existing models. This new series is anticipated to be a game-changer for the EV market, effectively boosting vehicle performance.
Samsung SDI plans to present its advanced solid-state battery research aimed for commercialization by 2027, as well as novel heat propagation prevention technology branded as No TP (No Thermal Propagation). This tech is crafted to halt thermal events from spreading from one cell to others, minimizing combustion risks during operation. Samsung SDI will also exhibit its 50A-class high-output cylindrical battery, expected to perform 40% more efficiently than similar capacity batteries.
Meanwhile, SK On aims to highlight its diverse portfolio by showing off three key battery formats: pouch, cylindrical, and prismatic batteries. Their exhibition will include high-voltage mid-nickel batteries, which prioritize cost efficiency without sacrificing performance or safety. Notably, SK On's innovative immersion cooling technology will be showcased, facilitating rapid charging by submerging batteries entirely in specially formulated liquids, thereby reducing fire hazards.
Previously announced, the INTERBATTERY Awards ceremony will recognize outstanding innovations, highlighting ten products across categories such as batteries, materials, components, and startup technologies. Award candidates include LG Energy Solution’s B-Lifecare system and Samsung SDI’s 50A high-output battery, emphasizing the exhibition's commitment to recognizing cutting-edge technological advancements.
The event will also host the Battery Technology Conference, featuring discussions on chasm overcoming strategies—addressing transient demand stagnation across the battery market. Notably, executives from the top three Korean battery manufacturers are set to speak on the challenges and opportunities within the current market. Experts will report on innovations and competitive advantages aimed at fostering resilience amid uncertainties like fluctuated demand and rising competition.
This year’s edition of INTERBATTERY is particularly distinguished by its global representation, with 172 foreign enterprises participating, marking the highest international turnout at the event so far. Notable first-time attendees include the world’s leading EV manufacturer BYD and EVE Energy, both setting displays to showcase their latest battery technologies, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Beyond the domestic entities, the expo will host representatives from the U.S. Federal Government, state leaders, and numerous stakeholders. These parties aim to reinforce Korea-U.S. grassroots battery cooperation, providing insights on market trends and investment opportunities through dedicated forums.
The significance of INTERBATTERY extends beyond the products on display; it’s also a platform for fostering collaborations. Several companies have already announced joint ventures aimed at overcoming challenges within the global battery supply chain. For example, JR Energy Solutions, Korea's first battery foundry, is set to establish partnerships with StoreDot, known for its fast-charging battery technology.
With the spotlight on new technological advancements, strategies for supply chain resilience, and cooperative efforts among battery industry giants, INTERBATTERY 2025 promises to be both informative and transformative. Expectations are high for new innovations and tech breakthroughs presented during the conference.
Park Tae-sung, the association's deputy secretary-general, emphasized the event as integral not only for showcasing innovation but also for providing a platform for establishing strategies to tackle challenges posed by competitive low-cost imports, especially from China. He underscored the event’s pivotal role as K-battery firms explore pathways to leverage their technologies against the backdrop of the approaching supercycle.
Overall, INTERBATTERY 2025 looks to lay the groundwork for future advancements and collaborations across the battery and EV sectors, enhancing the capabilities of the participants and pushing the limits of innovation, sustainability, and market growth.