At the ‘InterBattery 2025’ media day held at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul on the 24th, Park Tae-sung, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association, delivered a welcoming speech. He expressed reassurance, saying, “There were concerns that companies might reduce their participation in the exhibition, but these worries were unfounded.” His introduction of ‘InterBattery 2025′ was filled with conviction, suggesting that the battery industry has entered a phase of building fundamental competitiveness beyond cyclical economic fluctuations.
During the media day, Vice Chairman Park noted that the event would serve as a showcase for Korean battery innovation, overcoming the “three major risks” of temporary demand stagnation for electric vehicles, the influx of low-priced goods from China, and the uncertainty of the second term of the Donald Trump administration. He emphasized that battery companies will consolidate their fundamentals and enhance their core competitiveness, laying the groundwork for a new leap forward.
InterBattery is the largest battery exhibition in the country, offering a clear view of technological competition and market changes in the global battery industry. This year’s event is notably larger and more meaningful than before, with 688 participating companies and 2,230 booths, expanding by 22.8% compared to the previous year. Despite the crisis of temporary demand stagnation, companies have expanded their exhibition space, highlighting their technological competitiveness.
Participation from overseas companies has also significantly increased, with 172 foreign companies participating this year, a 49.5% increase from last year’s 115. Notably, China’s BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle company and the second-largest battery manufacturer, and EVE Energy, ranked ninth globally for battery shipments, are making their first appearances, showcasing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
After the launch of the second Trump administration, the potential for Korea-U.S. battery cooperation has emerged as a major agenda item. In the U.S., eight state governments and major companies are operating an “American Pavilion,” and a Korea-U.S. battery cooperation seminar is also being held.
The battery industry is expanding its product portfolio from the existing pouch- and prismatic-type batteries to cylindrical batteries and high-performance LFP batteries, seeking new growth engines. LG Energy Solution will unveil the ’46 series cylindrical battery,’ which features higher energy density and output compared to the existing 2170 cell. Samsung SDI plans to introduce its ’50A grade ultra-high-output cylindrical battery,’ which significantly enhances output compared to existing models, targeting the high-performance battery market.
LFP batteries, known for their outstanding cost-competitiveness and safety, are rapidly growing in the global market. Korean companies are declaring their entry into this market. L&F will reveal the operation status of its LFP cathode material pilot plant and announce mass-production plans. Rumpelier will showcase the development of next-generation LFP batteries that enhance energy density and reduce production costs by utilizing eco-friendly process technology.
Efforts to ensure the stability of the global supply chain will be a key focus at this exhibition. POSCO FutureM will unveil its value chain strategy encompassing nickel, graphite, and battery recycling, while Korea Zinc will present plans to upgrade the supply chain, including its high-nickel precursor manufacturing technology. Battery recycling and reuse technology are also getting attention. Sungil Hi-tech will introduce the latest eco-friendly battery recycling technology, and IS Dongseo will present the status of its used battery value chain connecting Korea and Europe.
The exhibition is also expected to lay the groundwork for the formalization of cooperation and joint ventures among global companies, as well as technological competition. JR Energy Solution, Korea’s first battery foundry company, plans to officially establish a joint venture with StoreDot, an Israeli company specializing in ultra-fast charging batteries. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, will present at the conference a vision to make Korea a global hub for ultra-fast charging battery production.
Vice Chairman Park stated, “InterBattery 2025 is not just a technology exhibition but a platform to present strategies and directions to surpass the turning point in the battery industry. As companies expand their exhibition scale and emphasize technological prowess, the K-Battery industry will make a new leap forward from this year.”