Sakuu and SK On Join Forces for EV Battery Production

Sakuu, a leading innovator in battery technology, has recently announced a strategic partnership with SK On in Korea to revolutionize commercial-scale dry electrode manufacturing. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the battery industry, as the joint development agreement (JDA) between Sakuu and SK On aims to bring the Sakuu Kavian 3D printed battery platform to the market.

One of the key advantages of Sakuu's dry-process manufacturing and electrode printing technology is the elimination of solvents, paving the way for new processes in battery manufacturing. This breakthrough not only enables cost-effective production but also results in higher performance batteries that are environmentally friendly, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Rhee Jang-weon, Chief Technology Officer of SK On, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are pleased to announce this strategic partnership with Sakuu. We look forward to working closely with Sakuu to accelerate innovations in the manufacturing processes for EV battery electrodes." This collaboration signifies a shared commitment to advancing battery technology and driving progress in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Robert Bagheri, founder and CEO of Sakuu, emphasized the transformative impact of the partnership, saying, "Together, SK On and Sakuu are ushering in a new era in battery manufacturing technology, advancing safety, sustainability, and innovation in battery technology. With Sakuu’s pioneering technology and SK On’s best-in-class EV battery manufacturing expertise, we’re addressing the core issues facing battery makers today."

In a move to further solidify its position as a leader in battery innovation, Sakuu has unveiled plans to open a cutting-edge battery 3D printing plant. The company has demonstrated the capabilities of its dry-process lithium metal cells, showcasing an impressive energy density of over 800 Wh/l in the active cell area. These cells exhibit remarkable performance metrics, including sustained discharge rates of 3C and peak discharge rates of 10C with full recovery, as well as 8C pulse discharge.

Robert Bagheri reiterated the importance of scalable and cost-effective battery manufacturing, stating, "The biggest challenge in battery manufacturing today is producing next-generation batteries cost-effectively at scale to meet demand. Manufacturing Cypress in a fully dry process with the Kavian platform is a key step in enabling high-quality solid-state batteries to be produced in high volume in the future. Leveraging dry printing will enable battery technology innovation to accelerate the adoption of EVs while eliminating range anxiety."