LG Energy Solution (LGES) is making a significant shift toward prismatic battery cell production in response to growing demand from automakers.

The company has formed a task force dedicated to developing prismatic battery cells and is actively engaging with customers to introduce this new offering.

Once production begins, LGES will become the first South Korean battery supplier to offer prismatic, cylindrical, and pouch-type battery cells, positioning itself as a versatile player in the market.

Other South Korean battery manufacturers, including Samsung SDI and SK On, are also ramping up their efforts in prismatic cell production.

SK On has already developed its prismatic technology and is in discussions with clients as it prepares for mass production.

Meanwhile, Samsung SDI, which has been the sole domestic supplier of prismatic cells in South Korea, is preparing for increased demand as the electric vehicle (EV) market evolves.

“Prismatic batteries will gradually increase their share in the global EV market, as evidenced by the growing requests for collaboration from EV manufacturers,” noted Samsung SDI Executive Vice President Michael Son.

As old and new automakers delve deeper into electric vehicle production, more research and thought have gone into battery technology. Over the past few years, interest in prismatic batteries has increased. In 2019, Prismatic batteries made up a 19% market share in Europe. 

As of 2023, prismatic cells accounted for 49% of batteries in the European market, beating pouch-type cells, which accounted for 35% market share. In 2019, pouch-type cells dominated the European market, holding 46% market share. 

Meanwhile, cylindrical batteries held a 35% market share in 2019, dropping to 16% in Europe by 2023, reported SNE Research. However, interest in cylindrical batteries could rise in the next few years. 

LGES and Samsung SDI are nearing the mass production of Tesla’s 4680 cell design. Samsung SDI aims to start mass production on the 46-series cylindrical battery by early 2025.

LGES plans to begin 4680 cylindrical cell production in South Korea this month and expects to reach mass production by the end of 2024.