 |
| SK Innovation's booth at Inter Battery 2021, an annual battery exposition, at COEX in southern Seoul, June 9 Yonhap |
By Kim Bo-eun
Local electric vehicle (EV) battery makers are seeking to secure greater market shares amid the growth of EV markets around the world.
Korea's three battery makers have claimed some of the largest global market shares. LG Energy Solution (LGES) ranked second after China's CATL in the first quarter of this year. Samsung SDI ranked fifth and SKI sixth.
The battery manufacturers have moved quickly to set up joint ventures with global carmakers in an effort to secure long-term clients. LGES has joined hands with GM, and SKI is set to launch a joint entity with Ford.
SKI and LGES have specialized in pouch cells, while Samsung SDI has focused on prismatic battery cells. Each have been supplying respective clients according to the type of battery the carmakers employ in their models.
But SKI is now seeking to develop prismatic cells, in an apparent attempt to diversify its product lineup to be able to supply more carmakers. SKI is hiring for positions in prismatic battery R&D, in one of its battery division's largest-ever recruitment drives.
This is keeping Samsung SDI alert, as its researchers could move to SKI, which is known to offer better pay. A battle is set to unfold in securing skilled workers, as the market for EVs is projected to grow exponentially. LGES is hiring for battery development divisions throughout the year. Samsung SDI is set to launch its recruitment campaign next month.
"The EV market is growing rapidly but the industry's talent pool is hardly sufficient to keep up with market growth. This is why companies are doing their best at recruitment," an industry official said.
SKI's latest battery division recruitment and move to develop a new battery type are seen as part of efforts to boost the value of its battery division, as it is set to separate from the company as a new entity. SKI as a holding company is seeking an IPO for the new company.
![[INTERVIEW] How AmazeVR revolutionizes aespa's LYNK-POP concert](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/4431833759c44bdaa414cb314e90f2fe.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
