Um Gi-cheon, president of POSCO FUTURE M, said, "This year, we will increase the shipment of cathodes compared to last year."
On the 5th, President Um met with reporters at the 'InterBattery 2025,' the largest domestic battery industry exhibition held at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. He noted, "Due to the 'chasm' (temporary demand slowdown), electric vehicle production has decreased significantly, but we have set our cathode production slightly higher this year than last year. We made this decision as we have projects prepared at the company level."
Regarding when the stagnation in electric vehicle demand will end, President Um said, "We believe the chasm will last for three years" and added, "One year has already passed last year, and we predict it will end after this year and next year."
About the recently sold Gumi cathode factory, he stated, "The Gumi plant is the first factory the company started, so, due to aging equipment, it became difficult to produce high-grade products, which is why we decided to sell it." He further explained, "The proceeds from the sale will be used for improving our financial structure and facility investments."
Regarding discussions on government support for anode materials, he noted, "There is a growing consensus that support should be provided for the stabilization of the supply chain. We are currently in discussions with the Korea Battery Industry Association (KIBA) and the government for specific measures."
At this exhibition, POSCO FUTURE M focused on introducing the technology roadmap for both anode and cathode materials, as well as achievements in establishing a supply chain from raw materials to recycling.
In particular, they unveiled the research and development status and roadmap, including ultra high nickel (Ultra Hi-Ni) single crystal cathodes with nickel content increased to over 95% to enhance the driving range and stability of electric vehicles; low-expansion natural graphite anodes and silicon anodes that can significantly reduce battery charging times and increase storage capacity; lithium manganese-rich (LMR), lithium manganese phosphate (LMFP) to lower the cost of electric vehicles and promote their popularization; and high-voltage mid-nickel cathodes.
The InterBattery is hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and co-organized by the Korea Battery Industry Association (KIBA), COEX, and the Korea International Trade Association. It was first held in 2013, marking its 13th edition this year.