As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) skyrockets in many countries, there is a growing need for various pioneering battery prototypes, particularly from automakers. Thanks to LG Energy Solution’s reputation as a leading innovator and its foresight to preemptively enter the global market, its advanced batteries, including pouch-type long cell batteries, are among the most sought after in the world.
With the market flourishing and the future looking promising, LGES has set its sights on supplying comprehensive selection of next-generation battery prototypes to customers worldwide by heavily investing in nurturing its Ochang Energy Plant as the company’s ‘mother factory.’
Since June 2022, LGES has invested KRW 580 billion to establish a ‘mother line’ at Ochang Energy Plant 2 by the end of 2023 for its new form factor 4680-type cylindrical batteries. Furthermore, the company plans to invest another KRW 600 billion into establishing a ‘mother line’ at the plant with the ultimate aim of securing large amounts of perfectly constructed pouch-type long-cell batteries.
The ‘mother line’ makes it possible to proceed both trial production and verification for mass production at once, unlike typical pilot lines which can only perform trial production. It will allow LGES to respond more effectively to various customer demands while significantly reducing the average time it takes to stabilize the mass production of newly developed products.
“With the rapid expansion of global battery demand, it cannot be overstated how important it is to lead in mass production, allowing for the timeliest production of high-quality products. LG Energy Solution will provide customers with world-class QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) through its unique mother lines and unparalleled competitive edge,” said an LGES spokesperson.
Once this bold project comes to fruition in December 2024, the Ochang Energy plant will become the global hub for battery R&D and manufacturing while providing support for every LGES manufacturing facility in North America, Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world.
The plant is also home to the Head Quarter Remote Operation System (HQ-ROS), which allows highly skilled experts in facilities, processes, inspection, and quality to provide remote support to production lines worldwide. This system also helps the company roll out state-of-the-art technologies developed on pilot lines across its global subsidiaries.
“Our Ochang Energy Plant is basically the control tower where LG Energy Solution’s groundbreaking new technologies are applied before anywhere else. We will continue to make bold investments to further solidify our position as the most trusted and respected company among customers,” said an LGES spokesperson.