[Exclusive] SK On revs up prismatic battery push with new pilot line

SK On has begun setting up a pilot line for unidirectional prismatic battery cells at its Daejeon research center this week, as demand grows for this more space-efficient battery format in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. “Unidirectional” or “top terminal” cells refer to a battery design in which current flows through terminals placed on the top, optimizing the use of space and simplifying their integration into EVs. Prismatic cells can be made rectangular, unlike the more tradition

July 25, 2025

Hyundai Motor’s Q2 profit hit by US auto tariffs

Hyundai Motor Company has taken a hit from the United States’ auto tariffs as the Korean automaker announced on Thursday a steep year-on-year decline in its operating profit from the second quarter. According to Hyundai Motor’s conference call over its second quarter earnings, the automaker logged 48.3 trillion won ($35.4 billion) in revenue and 3.6 trillion won in operating profit in the second quarter. Although quarterly revenue increased by 7.3 percent from the same period last year, operatin

July 24, 2025

LG Energy Solution wins German patent suit against China’s Sunwoda

LG Energy Solution has won a patent infringement lawsuit in Germany against China’s Sunwoda Group, potentially banning the sale of the Chinese company’s infringing electric vehicle battery cells in the region. According to Tulip Innovation — a patent management firm representing LG Energy Solution and Panasonic — on Thursday, the Munich District Court recently ruled that Sunwonda’s lithium-ion prismatic batteries used in the Dacia Spring EV infringe LG Energy Solution’s patent on the “electrode

July 24, 2025

Typhoon winds, silent roads: Hyundai Motor reveals future of EV testing

HWASEONG, Gyeonggi Province -- Hyundai Motor Group on Wednesday unveiled its latest electric vehicle innovations at the Namyang R&D Center in Gyeonggi Province, with a focus on breakthroughs in aerodynamics, thermal management and ride comfort. A standout reveal was the “Aero Challenge car,” a prototype EV designed to achieve world-leading aerodynamic performance. Comparable in size to the Ioniq 6 sedan, the vehicle has already recorded a drag coefficient of 0.144 — beating the previous record o

July 24, 2025

CATL’s ‘salt battery’: Cheaper EVs or chemistry compromise?

CATL, the Chinese battery behemoth, is poised to shake up the electric vehicle landscape with sodium-ion batteries, or “salt batteries,” with mass production for mainstream EVs scheduled within this year. These cells are expected to offer an even greater cost advantage over CATL’s current lithium iron phosphate offerings, further pressuring South Korean battery rivals already struggling to challenge China’s dominance in the electrified vehicle sector. Contrary to projections from Korean companie

July 23, 2025

Kia highlights customization, space in new PV5 electric PBV

Kia, an automaker under Hyundai Motor Group, is emphasizing flexibility in configuration and spacious interiors with its new purpose-built vehicle model, the PV5, as a key strategy in expanding into the electric PBV market. On Tuesday, Kia showcased the vehicle’s modular technology at a studio in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, highlighting its potential to meet diverse mobility needs. The PV5 is the first model built on the group's E-GMP.S platform, dedicated to electric PBVs, and is expected t

July 23, 2025

Hyundai Motor tapped as mobility partner for 2025 APEC energy summit

Hyundai Motor will present a fleet of 63 emission-free vehicles at next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meetings in Busan as the official transportation provider, the Korean automaker said Tuesday. According to Hyundai Motor, the fleet will be led by 34 all-new Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell sport utility vehicles, accompanied by 12 Genesis Electrified G80 premium sedans, 14 all-electric Kia EV9 SUVs and three Hyundai Universe hydrogen buses. The eco-friendly vehicles will

July 22, 2025

Mercedes-AMG SL 43 aims at young, single and rich

Mercedes-Benz' iconic three-pointed star carries a distinctive aura. But the high-performance Mercedes-AMG vehicles project a next-level presence. In case of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43, a luxury roadster recently launched in the Korean market, the imposing convertible is an enticing choice for young, single drivers seeking an unforgettable ride. The Korea Herald got to check out the new vehicle in a test drive that included urban, rural and highway driving. Measuring at 4,705 millimeters in length,

July 22, 2025

Renault appoints procurement expert as new Korea chief

Renault Group has appointed Nicolas Paris, vice president of e-powertrain, battery, connectivity and software at the French headquarters, as the next CEO of Renault Korea, the French automaker announced Monday. According to the announcement, Paris will officially begin his Korean CEO tenure on Sept. 1. Stephane Deblaise, current CEO of Renault Korea, has been appointed to lead Renault India starting on the same date. Paris has an extensive 20-year resume in the global auto industry. Before joini

July 21, 2025

Ioniq 9 powers reforestation drones

Hyundai Motor's electric sport utility vehicle, the Ioniq 9, is converted into a mobile drone station to support forest restoration in wildfire-stricken Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, as part of the carmaker’s social responsibility program. Powered by its battery, the full-size SUV operates a high-precision drone control system equipped with a computer and dual monitors, enabling drones to disperse a mixture of tree seeds and soil across off-road areas. (Hyundai Motor Group)

July 17, 2025

LG Innotek bets big on digital keys to drive W1.5tr in auto connectivity sales by 2030

LG Innotek is stepping up its growth efforts with a next-generation digital key solution, positioning it as a central pillar in achieving 1.5 trillion won ($1.09 billion) in annual sales from automotive connectivity businesses by 2030. The Korean electronic parts supplier unveiled this vision during a media seminar Tuesday at its headquarters in western Seoul, where it showcased its latest advancements in digital key technology. “Our next-generation digital key solution is an innovation built on

July 16, 2025

LG-GM venture to produce low-cost LFP batteries at Tennessee plant in 2027

Ultium Cells, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and General Motors, has decided to upgrade its battery cell manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to produce low-cost lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery cells as it aims to expand its business portfolio. According to the announcement on Tuesday, the conversion of battery cell lines at the Tennessee site will begin later this year. Commercial production is expected to begin by late 2027. The plant has been rolling out lithium-

July 15, 2025

Mercedes-Benz opens world’s first Maybach Brand Center in Seoul

Mercedes-Benz has opened the world’s first Maybach Brand Center in Seoul as the German luxury automaker emphasizes the importance of the Korean market for its top-end brand. “With the opening of the world’s first Maybach Brand Center, we are taking the next step in redefining customer experience at the highest level,” said Mathias Geisen, Mercedes-Benz board member in charge of marketing and sales, during the opening ceremony of the new facility on Monday. “Korea is not only one of our key marke

July 14, 2025

KG Mobility's Actyon Hybrid blends EV-like smoothness with SUV practicality

KG Mobility, with its expertise in sport utility vehicles, is stepping up its hybrid rollout as it aims to break out of the so-called “three middles” of Korea’s auto industry: Renault Korea, General Motors Korea and itself. KG Mobility launched the Actyon Hybrid in early July, just four months after introducing its first hybrid, the Torres Hybrid. In that short time, the company has enhanced the hybrid system’s capabilities and driving experience, while successfully leveraging its strengths in S

July 14, 2025

[Photo News] Genesis G90 for Kuwait

The Genesis G90 has been selected as the official vehicle of Kuwait's Ministry of Interior based on high trust in the quality and safety of the premium brand's flagship sedan, Hyundai Motor Group said Monday. According to Hyundai Motor, a total of 47 G90s were manufactured to meet the specific requirements of the Kuwait government. As the Genesis G90 was previously picked as the official vehicle for Kuwait lawmakers in 2021, the automaker said it expects the latest partnership to expand its pres

July 14, 2025