Electric vehicle battery manufacturer SK On has signed a joint development agreement with Sakuu, the world's first manufacturing platform for printing battery electrodes.
Sakuu 3D prints fully functional batteries of non-standard shapes and sizes in a completely dry process without the use of solvents. The San Jose-based company says its Kavian 3D printing platform can nearly halve battery manufacturing costs. The new batteries will last longer and are easier to recycle than current lithium-ion batteries.
SK On, the world's fifth largest battery manufacturer, is one of the first to partner with Sakuu to develop the Kavian platform. SK On currently operates two EV battery plants in Commerce, Georgia. It continues to expand its presence in the US, building additional battery plants for electric vehicles through joint ventures with Ford and Hyundai.
SK On is rapidly ramping up plans for US battery production – earlier this week, the South Korea-headquartered battery maker signed a memorandum of understanding with ExxonMobil for a multi-year deal to purchase up to 100,000 tons of lithium.