Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, in collaboration with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM, have launched a four-year project to develop a new production technology for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathodes. The project aims to directly synthesize materials to reduce production costs and emissions during the manufacturing process.
High-purity iron powder from recycling
In contrast to the conventional production of LFP battery cathodes, where lithium is added to precursor materials, the project focuses on direct synthesis to process phosphate, iron powder, and lithium simultaneously, without the need for a separate precursor material. As part of the project, Hyundai Steel will work on the development of high-purity iron powder made from recycled iron. EcoPro BM will then use this material for the direct synthesis of LFP battery cathodes.
Higher performance of LFP batteries
The long-term goal is to improve the performance of LFP batteries, particularly in terms of low-temperature charging and discharging as well as fast-charging characteristics. The Korean government is supporting the work as part of the LFP Battery Technology Development Initiative.
