Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 25, Hyundai Motor and Kia announced Friday that they have strengthened cooperation with Korea’s major 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 outcomes of a yearlong collaboration and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to continue their joint work.

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

The signing ceremony was attended by Hyundai-Kia R&D chief Yang Hee-won, LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong-myung, Samsung SDI CEO Choi Yoon-ho, SK On CEO Lee Seok-hee, as well as officials from the transport and industry ministries. The partnership builds on efforts that began in August last year when Hyundai and Kia proposed forming a dedicated task force on battery safety after a large fire incident had drawn attention to EV safety issues.

Under the new MOU, the companies agreed to expand joint research, share patent rights, and develop new safety technologies that could serve as industrywide benchmarks. Five key areas of focus were outlined: safety-related patents, digital battery passports, design quality, manufacturing quality, and firefighting technologies. These projects aim to reinforce battery safety from design to operation, providing a foundation for safer and more reliable EVs.

Yang stated: “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.”

Kim of LG Energy Solution said: “With the government and industry working as one team, LG Energy Solution will keep pushing to secure Korea’s future competitiveness.” Choi of Samsung SDI described the initiative as “a breakthrough that redefines industry safety standards and technological direction,” emphasizing further research on sustainable battery technologies. SK On’s Lee added: “This collaboration will take battery safety quality to the next level.”

The cooperation highlights the increasing importance of EV battery safety as global demand for electric vehicles grows. By pooling resources and expertise, Hyundai, Kia, and the three leading battery manufacturers aim to address industry challenges while setting higher safety standards. The partnership also reflects the role of government agencies in supporting technological innovation and promoting safe adoption of EVs.

With the signing of the MOU, the companies have established a framework for long-term collaboration that combines automotive and battery expertise. The initiative underscores the industry’s recognition that safety is central to future EV development and competitiveness, with all parties committed to advancing technology and ensuring consumer confidence.

This joint approach marks a significant step in aligning Korea’s automotive and battery sectors to lead in both safety and innovation, ensuring that electric vehicles are developed with robust and reliable systems for global markets.