Hyundai Motor Company, according to South Korea’s ET news, has made significant strides in the development of batteries for HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) models. The company’s independent efforts have led to the creation of advanced batteries that will be incorporated into the upcoming Hyundai and Kia hybrid vehicles, scheduled for release next year. This breakthrough in HEV battery technology is expected to propel Hyundai into a more competitive position within the hybrid vehicle market, bolstering its ability to challenge archrival Toyota. This article delves into the details of Hyundai’s battery innovation and its potential impact on the automotive industry.
Battery Breakthrough at Hyundai Motor
The Development Process
Hyundai Motor’s Nanyang Research Center played a pivotal role in the independent development of the HEV batteries. Reports indicate that the batteries boast an impressive capacity of up to 10Ah. These high-nickel lithium batteries utilize a novel material with increased nickel content to achieve higher battery capacity. Moreover, the batteries are packaged in pouch-shaped packs, specifically designed to suit the requirements of hybrid vehicles. Hyundai has been actively involved in battery development since 2020 and has set up a dedicated production line at the Nanyang Research Center for large-scale manufacturing and mass production of these cutting-edge batteries.
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The Implications for Hyundai and Kia
With the inclusion of these self-developed HEV batteries, Hyundai and Kia aim to sell a combined total of 300,000 hybrids throughout 2022. While this figure still trails behind Toyota’s formidable 2.7 million hybrids, industry analysts highlight Hyundai’s strategic move as an opportunity to enhance its competitiveness within the hybrid vehicle market. By successfully establishing a stable battery supply chain through their independent battery development, Hyundai seeks to narrow the gap with its primary competitor and gain a stronger foothold in the industry.