South Korea’s leading automakers are doubling down on their efforts to cut EV costs with new battery tech. Hyundai and Kia are teaming up to develop LFP battery materials to power up lower-priced EVs.
Hyundai and Kia eye cheaper EVs with LFP battery tech
Hyundai and Kia launched a new project to develop lithium iron phosphate battery cathode material for future EV models.
As part of the initiative, the automakers are teaming up with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM, South Korea’s leading battery materials maker, to develop a precursor for LFP battery cathode material production.
Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy will also support the four-year project as part of its LFP Battery Technology Development plan.
“To meet future demand in the EV market, rapid technological development and effective battery supply chain establishment are essential,” Hyundai and Kia’s electrification and driving materials boss, SoonJoon Jung, said.
The new project is designed to “reduce import reliance” while securing Hyundai a stable supply chain as the industry shifts to electric.
Although most LFP battery cathode materials are made by adding lithium to precursor materials such as phosphate and iron sulfate, Hyundai and Kia are developing a more advanced process.
Using a direct synthesis process, adding iron powder and lithium simultaneously skips the need to create a separate precursor. According to Hyundai, this reduces hazardous substance emissions and cuts production costs.
More affordable EVs are coming
Hyundai claims its new method can boost production efficiency while driving lower costs compared to current processes.
With Hyundai Steel, the automakers plan to develop “high-purity iron powder” processing tech using domestically recycled iron. EcoPro BM will then use the tech to develop LFP battery cathode material.
By advancing new LFP battery tech, Hyundai and Kia want to “spearhead” advancements in the EV battery market.
The announcement comes as China continues dominating the global EV battery market. According to SNE Research, China’s CATL accounted for 31.6% of global EV battery sales in the second quarter. With BYD’s 11.9% share, China’s leading battery makers accounted for 43.5% of the worldwide market in Q2.
South Korea’s LG Energy Solution (14.7%), Samsung SDI (7.1%), and SK On (4.3%) made the top five in global EV sales.
China is leading the low-cost EV movement with vehicles like BYD’s Seagull selling for under $10,000 (69,800 yuan), but South Korea is not far behind.
Hyundai and Kia launched some of their most affordable EVs this year, including the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Casper Electric (Inster EV overseas).
The Casper Electric starts at just $22,800 (31.5 million won) in Korea. With incentives, Hyundai said the Casper EV could be bought for as little as $14,500 (20 million won), while Kia’s EV3 costs $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million).
In Europe, Hyundai’s Casper (Inster) EV will start at less than $27,000 (25,000 euros) with up to 220 miles (355 km) WLTP range. Kia’s EV3 starts at around $42,000 ((£32,995) with up to 372 miles (599 km) WLTP range.
Electrek’s Take
Hyundai and Kia are already climbing the global EV sales ranks. In the second quarter, the Korean automakers topped Ford and GM in US EV sales, claiming over 10% of the market.
Korean automakers already have some of the lowest-priced electric vehicles in the US, with the Hyundai Kona Electric starting at under $35,000 and Kia’s EV6 starting at $42,600. However, Hyundai and Kia are planning to launch even more affordable EVs.
Kia’s EV3 is expected to start at around $35,000 in the US, while its EV4 electric sedan, set to launch next year, will be priced at around $39,000.
Hyundai is opening its massive Metaplant America in Georgia this fall, enabling US-built electric models.
The first EV set to roll off the assembly line is Hyundai’s updated 2025 IONIQ 5. Once battery production begins in GA in 2025, Hyundai expects vehicles built at the plant will qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit. Until then, the company is passing on massive discounts through leasing.
With advanced new battery tech, Hyundai and Kia expect to continue lowering EV production costs, enabling more affordable models.
Enbridge, a Canadian energy company, just announced it’s moving forward with an 815-megawatt (MW) solar project called Sequoia in Texas. When it’s done, it’ll be one of the largest solar farms in North America. The project’s price tag is a hefty $1.1 billion.
Enbridge’s Sequoia, around 150 miles west of Dallas, has already landed long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with AT&T and Toyota, ensuring most of its output is sold for years to come. This deal was highlighted in Enbridge’s third-quarter report on Friday.
Sequoia will be built in two phases, with power expected to start flowing in 2025 and 2026. Enbridge says it’s taken steps to reduce risks by securing equipment and procurement contracts in advance. Permits and purchase orders are also locked down.
Toyota’s PPA with Enbridge’s Texas solar project is part of Toyota’s broader push toward sustainability, as the automaker aims to achieve net zero by 2035 and match 45% of its purchased power with renewable electricity by 2026 as it still clings to its “diverse powertrain strategy.”
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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With its new electric SUV rolling out, NIO’s (NIO) sales topped the 20,000 mark again in Oct, its sixth straight month hitting the milestone.
NIO sold 20,976 vehicles last month, up 30.5% from October 2023. The NIO brand sold 16,657 vehicles, while its new “family-oriented smart vehicle brand,” Onvo, contributed 4,319 in its first full sales month.
After launching its new mid-size Onvo L60 electric SUV in September, NIO said production and deliveries are steadily ramping up.
At the end of October, NIO’s Onvo had 166 Centers and Spaces throughout 60 cities. Onvo plans to continue expanding its network to drive future growth.
NIO’s new electric SUV starts at around $21,200 (149,900) and is a direct rival to Tesla’s Model Y. The base $21K model is if you rent the battery. Even with the battery included, Onvo L60 prices still start at under $30,000 (206,900 yuan), with a CLTC range of up to 341 miles (555 km). That’s still less than the Model Y.
Tesla’s Model Y RWD starts at around $35,000 (249,900 yuan) with 344 mi (554 km) CLTC range in China.
NIO’s new Onvo brand drives higher Oct sales
NIO has often compared its new electric SUV to the Model Y, claiming it’s superior in many ways. The L60 has better consumption at 12.1 kWh/100km compared to the Model Y at 12.5 kWh/100km).
With a longer wheelbase (2,950 mm vs 2,890 mm), NIO’s electric SUV also provides slightly more interior space.
Despite the L60’s success so far, NIO believes its second Onvo model will be an even bigger hit. It could be a potential game-changer.
“If you think the L60 is good, then this new model is a much more competitive product,” NIO’s CEO William Li told CnEVPost after launching the L60. Onvo will launch a new EV every year. Following the L60, Onvo will launch a new mid-to-large-size electric SUV next year.
NIO’s leader claims the new model will be revolutionary. According to Li, it will offer even more surprises than the L60. Deliveries are planned to begin in Q3 2025.
NIO Onvo L60 vs Tesla Model Y trims
Range (CLTC)
Starting Price
NIO Onvo L60 (Battery rental)
555 km (341 mi) 730 km (454 mi)
149,900 yuan ($21,200)
NIO Onvo L60 (60 kWh)
555 km (341 mi)
206,900 yuan ($29,300)
NIO Onvo L60 (85 kWh)
730 km (454 mi)
235,900 yuan ($33,400)
NIO Onvo L60 (150 kWh)
+1,000 km (+621 mi)
TBD
Tesla Model Y RWD
554 km (344 mi)
249,900 yuan ($34,600)
Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range
688 km (427 mi)
290,900 yuan ($40,300)
Tesla Model Y AWD Performance
615 km (382 mi)
354,900 yuan ($49,100)
NIO Onvo L60 compared to Tesla Model Y prices and range in China
Local reports suggest a six-or seven-seat electric SUV could hit the market even sooner. With rumors of a launch around Q1 2025, deliveries could happen as soon as May 2025.
According to sources close to the matter, the L60 is just a “stepping stone” with even more exciting EVs on the way. The source claimed the new six-seat option will start at around $42,100 (300,000 yuan).
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Velotric Ebikes are designed by some of the most brilliant minds in the business. And now, you have the opportunity to own one (or two!) of these high-performance, elegant, reliable rides. You won’t want to miss these fantastic early-bird Black Friday deals running from November 1-14, and, also get a sneak peek at special offers that start on November 8.
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