SK Energy To Provide Li ion Batteries to Kia and Hyundai For EV's

South Korea-based SK Energy Co. will provide Li-ion batteries to Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors for electric vehicles (EVs), beginning with the i10.

The i10 will have a single charge range of 160 km (99 miles) and a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). The i10 is due to be in full scale production in 2011, according to SK.

SK Energy uses a lithium manganese oxide cathode material, mixing in NMC material for stabilization; a surface-modified graphite on the anode; a gel polymer electrolyte; and a ceramic-coated proprietary SK separator featuring low shrinkage and high heat resistance. SK cells have a specific energy density of around 140 Wh/kg.

In October 2009, SK Energy was chosen as a supplier of lithium-ion batteries for a hybrid electric vehicle project for Daimler commercial vehicle subsidiary Mitsubishi Fuso; Daimler holds 85% of Fuso.

SK Energy is also participating in a one-year technology assessment program of its batteries for electric vehicles with the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC). USABC will provide 50% of the funding for the project.


Source: Green Car Congress