Samsung SDI's highest energy density battery wins the InterBattery Award

12 March 2026, 06:52:19

Add as a preferred source on Google InterBattery 2026 opened at Coex in Seoul on March 11, drawing large crowds from the first day and highlighting the growing global interest in advanced battery technologies. Samsung SDI hosted the largest booth at the event and presented a wide range of solutions designed to support the rapidly expanding AI ecosystem. Operating under the theme "AI Thinks. Battery Enables," the company emphasized how next‑generation batteries will power the infrastructure and devices that define the AI era.

Furthermore, Samsung SDI has received the InterBattery Award for its new high‑energy prismatic battery, which achieves an energy density of 700 Wh/L. This next‑generation cell enables an electric vehicle driving range of up to 800 km on a single charge and supports fast charging with strong output performance. The award highlights the company’s progress in advancing EV battery technology for longer range and improved efficiency.

To reach this level of performance, Samsung SDI introduced a direct‑connect current collection structure in its prismatic cells. Traditional current collection systems use multiple components and complex pathways, but the new design connects directly to the electrode plates. This reduces internal resistance, frees up space for more active material, and increases both energy density and charging speed. Engineers noted that simplifying the structure was essential for maximizing the internal volume of the thin 700 Wh/L cell.

The company also improved material technology by developing a nickel‑rich NCA cathode containing 91 percent nickel. High‑nickel cathodes increase energy density but can suffer from surface cracking during charge and discharge cycles. Samsung SDI addressed this by applying a new structural design that stabilizes the cathode and extends battery life. For the anode, the company adopted its third‑generation SCN silicon‑carbon nanocomposite material, which reduces graphite content and creates a denser internal structure. This minimizes electrolyte penetration, suppresses expansion, and contributes to longer cycle life.

Safety features were also strengthened. The prismatic cells use a rigid aluminum can that provides strong resistance to external impact. Samsung SDI incorporated its No Thermal Propagation technology along with a gas vent system to prevent fire spread in extreme conditions. Engineers involved in the project described the development process as a series of challenges, particularly when transitioning the high‑nickel cathode and third‑generation SCN anode from early prototypes to mass‑production readiness.

Samsung SDI is a global battery manufacturer headquartered in South Korea, specializing in advanced energy‑storage technologies for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. The company is known for its innovations in prismatic, cylindrical, and solid‑state battery designs and operates research and production facilities worldwide. Samsung SDI continues to invest in next‑generation materials and manufacturing processes to support the growing demand for high‑performance, safe, and efficient energy‑storage solutions.

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