cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/11081841
Analysts are urging the European Union to work more closely with LG Energy Solution, SK On and Samsung SDI to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturers, which hold around 72.6% of the global EV battery market against the three Korean firms’ combined 13.8%, according to a Nikkei Asia report.
Chinese manufacturers dominate Europe’s EV battery supply chain. Experts cited by Nikkei Asia are pushing for closer EU-South Korea cooperation on diversification. The article, published August 31 and written from London, notes that the three Korean firms are moving toward cheaper lithium-iron phosphate chemistry.
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LG Energy Solution, SK On and Samsung SDI are all expanding their energy storage businesses.
LG Energy Solution began LFP battery production for energy storage at its Ultium Cells joint venture with GM in Michigan in July 2026, and plans production in Wroclaw, Poland early next year.
Samsung SDI is producing NCA energy storage batteries at its StarPlus Energy joint venture with Stellantis and plans LFP production there by year end.
SK On has launched its own energy storage brand and is targeting mass production. All three have existing or planned manufacturing in Europe — LG Energy Solution in Poland, Samsung SDI in Hungary, SK On in Hungary and Slovakia.
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