Strategic partnership targets commercialization of sulfide-based solid-state batteries

Companies to jointly develop solid electrolytes and cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state battery materials unveiled by Ecopro BM at the InterBattery expo in March [Ecopro BM]
All-solid-state battery materials unveiled by Ecopro BM at the InterBattery expo in March [Ecopro BM]

Ecopro BM announced Tuesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Samsung SDI to cooperate on developing materials for all-solid-state batteries, with the goal of commercializing sulfide-based solid-state batteries by 2027.

The two companies plan to deepen cooperation across the entire development process — from early-stage research through quality evaluation and the establishment of mass production systems — to raise both technological maturity and business competitiveness. They also intend to expand the scope of collaboration to cover a broad range of key materials, including cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries, cathode electrolytes and separator electrolytes.

Under the agreement, Samsung SDI will advance cell development and refine its mass production technology for all-solid-state batteries, while Ecopro BM will take charge of developing the key materials.

All-solid-state batteries are widely regarded as a next-generation technology capable of improving safety and performance at the same time. Because they offer longer use per charge and reduce the risk of fire, they are considered a core technology for future industries such as electric vehicles and humanoid robots.

Ecopro BM has developed proprietary process technology in sulfide-based solid electrolytes — a critical material for all-solid-state batteries — and operates a pilot plant with an annual production capacity of 40 tons. The company is strengthening its technological edge through powder-control and quality-management capabilities, which are central to solid electrolyte development. It is also developing cathode materials suited to solid electrolytes, drawing on its high-nickel cathode technology.

In recognition of these research and development achievements, Ecopro BM was selected in August for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's "Super-Eul Project." The program is a government-backed research and development support initiative aimed at nurturing key materials, parts and equipment companies capable of leading global supply chains by securing world-class, first-of-their-kind technologies.

Companies selected for the program submit their own growth strategies and technology development plans to the government, which then evaluates them through a review of the proposal, technical verification and a comprehensive assessment. Ecopro BM passed the government's evaluation with its sulfide-based solid electrolyte project. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to provide selected companies with large-scale research and development support of 20 billion won ($14.7 million) per project over seven or more years.

The ministry released a "Battery Industry Technology Roadmap" last month, designating all-solid-state batteries as a core strategic technology for the future battery industry. The government said it plans to support the early commercialization of next-generation batteries by strengthening joint research and development between cell and materials companies and deepening supply chain cooperation.

Ecopro BM had earlier outlined a full value-chain roadmap for all-solid-state batteries at an investor relations event for retail investors in July. Gong Bo-hyeon, executive vice president for research and development at Ecopro BM, said at the time regarding solid electrolyte development: "We are currently reviewing trial production with leading customers, and we expect the earliest mass production timeline to be 2027. We have completed the design of the mass production line and are preparing to break ground immediately in line with customer demand."

Meanwhile, Song Ho-jun, chief executive of Ecopro, was named incoming chief executive of Ecopro BM in a reshuffle of Ecopro Group's presidential-level executives last Wednesday.

Under Song's leadership, Ecopro BM plans to strengthen its role as an intermediate holding company overseeing secondary battery materials. The company also intends to complete management systems at its overseas subsidiaries in Hungary and Canada, and to focus on building future growth engines through investment in the BNSI smelter in Indonesia.


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