Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 22, On Friday, Hyundai Motor and Kia announced a strengthened partnership with Korea’s leading battery producers — LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On — to advance electric vehicle (EV) safety technologies. The announcement was made at Hyundai and Kia’s Namyang research and development (R&D) center in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, where the companies presented the results of a yearlong joint project and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand cooperation.

This photo provided by Hyundai Motor Group shows the group's headquarters in southern Seoul.

The ceremony brought together Hyundai-Kia R&D chief Yang Hee-won, LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong-myung, Samsung SDI CEO Choi Yoon-ho, and SK On CEO Lee Seok-hee, along with officials from the transport and industry ministries. The collaboration began in August of last year after Hyundai-Kia proposed the formation of a task force on battery safety following a large-scale EV battery fire incident that raised concerns in the industry.

The MOU outlines plans for continued joint research, patent sharing, and development of new safety technologies to establish industry benchmarks. The companies have identified five priority projects: safety-related patents, digital battery passports, design quality, manufacturing quality, and firefighting technology. These areas are expected to shape future standards for EV safety and enhance overall reliability in the sector.

Yang Hee-won highlighted the importance of collective effort: "This collaboration was possible thanks to the determination of our leadership, the dedication of our researchers and support from government ministries. We will continue to work closely with battery makers to deliver safer and more reliable EVs."

LG Energy Solution’s Kim Dong-myung emphasized the importance of unified action, stating: "With the government and industry working as one team, LG Energy Solution will keep pushing to secure Korea's future competitiveness." Samsung SDI’s Choi Yoon-ho described the initiative as "a breakthrough that redefines industry safety standards and technological direction," noting its potential to drive advancements in sustainable battery technologies. SK On CEO Lee Seok-hee added: "This collaboration will take battery safety quality to the next level."

The cooperation among Hyundai, Kia, and Korea’s top battery producers reflects a shared focus on advancing EV technology and addressing safety challenges through innovation and standardization. By aligning with government support and pooling industry expertise, the initiative seeks to strengthen Korea’s position in the global EV sector while ensuring safer and more reliable vehicles for consumers.

This joint approach demonstrates how automakers and battery suppliers are adapting to the growing demand for electric mobility. The commitment to patent sharing, design improvements, and digital tracking tools such as battery passports indicates an emphasis on transparency and long-term quality assurance. Together, the companies aim to create a foundation for sustainable and safe EV growth, while also building resilience against potential safety risks in the rapidly expanding market.